How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Your Building This Winter

Winter’s on the way, and with it comes the risk of frozen pipes. For businesses, a frozen or burst pipe can lead to huge repair bills, damaged property, and costly downtime. Knowing how to prevent frozen pipes can make all the difference. Here’s a look at some simple steps you can take to keep your pipes safe and your business running smoothly.

Why Frozen Pipes Are a Big Deal for Businesses

Frozen pipes might seem like a minor issue, but they can actually cause serious problems for your business. When water freezes, it expands, which can crack or burst pipes. This leads to flooding, property damage, and costly repairs—not to mention potential downtime while you deal with the mess.

Taking a few precautions now to prevent frozen pipes can save you a lot of stress and money down the line. Here’s what you can do to keep your pipes safe as temperatures start to drop.

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

One of the easiest ways to protect your pipes from freezing is by adding insulation. Pipes in unheated or exposed areas, like basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces, are especially vulnerable. Insulating them helps keep the temperature around the pipes more stable, which can prevent freezing.

  • Use Pipe Insulation Sleeves: Foam or rubber insulation sleeves are affordable and easy to install around your pipes. Just slide them on, and they’ll help keep the pipes warmer.
  • Add Insulation to Nearby Walls and Ceilings: If you’ve got pipes in really cold areas, adding extra insulation to the walls or ceilings can help keep the whole area warmer.
  • Consider Heating Cables: Heating cables (or heat tape) can be wrapped around pipes in extremely cold areas for extra protection. These cables warm up the pipes, making freezing much less likely.

Adding insulation now is a small investment that could save you thousands in repair costs if a pipe were to burst.

2. Keep the Heat On

It might be tempting to turn down the heat in your business after hours to save on energy bills, but this could put your pipes at risk. Keeping the heat on, even during off-hours, is essential for preventing frozen pipes.

  • Set a Minimum Temperature: Keep your thermostat at least 55°F, even when the building isn’t occupied.
  • Use Space Heaters for Cold Spots: If there are areas in your building that stay colder, consider using space heaters in those spots. Just make sure they’re placed safely and not too close to anything flammable.
  • Try a Smart Thermostat: If you’re looking for more control, a programmable or smart thermostat lets you monitor and adjust the temperature remotely, so you can keep an eye on things even if you’re not there.

Keeping the heat on might cost a little more now, but it’s much cheaper than dealing with water damage from a burst pipe.

3. Let Faucets Drip on Cold Nights

A simple way to prevent frozen pipes is to let faucets drip slightly when temperatures are expected to drop below freezing. This keeps water moving through the pipes, which makes freezing less likely.

  • Turn on Cold Water Faucets: In areas where pipes are exposed or run along exterior walls, let the cold water faucet drip slightly.
  • Keep an Eye on Temps: When the forecast calls for a cold snap, double-check that the faucets are dripping before you leave for the night.

A small drip can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major expense, so don’t hesitate to let the water run a bit on those extra chilly nights.

Need help preparing for winter? McGhee Insurance guides you through the process and makes sure you’re covered if the unexpected happens. We’re ready to help winterize your business and ensure you’re protected.

4. Open Cabinet Doors

Pipes under sinks or in cabinets are often hidden from the warmth of your heating system, which makes them more likely to freeze. Opening cabinet doors lets warm air circulate around those pipes and can help keep them from freezing.

  • Open Doors in Key Areas: Leave the cabinet doors open in areas with plumbing, especially if they’re near exterior walls or in colder parts of the building.
  • Keep Room Temperatures Steady: Make sure the surrounding rooms are warm enough to prevent cold air from creeping in.

This small step takes just a second and can make a big difference on cold nights.

5. Schedule a Professional Inspection

If you’re worried about pipes freezing in your business, it’s a good idea to get a professional inspection before winter. An experienced plumber or HVAC specialist can spot any potential problems and make recommendations to keep your pipes safe all season.

  • Check for Leaks or Weak Spots: A professional can identify any small leaks or weaknesses that could lead to problems if they freeze.
  • Get Insulation Recommendations: Professionals can advise you on insulation options and other preventive measures based on your building’s layout and needs.
  • Routine Maintenance: Scheduling an annual inspection is a great way to ensure your pipes are in good condition before winter arrives.

A professional inspection gives you peace of mind, knowing your pipes are ready for whatever winter throws at them.

Why Prevention Is Worth It

Taking these simple steps to prevent frozen pipes can save you a lot of time, money, and stress. Dealing with a burst pipe can disrupt your business and put a damper on operations. Preparing now sets your business up for a smooth, issue-free winter season.

Last-Minute Tip: Monitor the Weather

When temperatures are expected to drop, check the forecast and make sure all your preventive measures are in place. You can also consider bumping up the heat a little and double-checking that all your vulnerable pipes are well-insulated.

McGhee Insurance Can Help Protect Your Business This Winter

We get how important it is to keep your business protected year-round. We’re here to help you understand how to prevent frozen pipes and make sure you’re covered if the unexpected happens. Our experienced team can guide you through winter prep and help you find the right insurance options for your business. With our support, you can feel confident that your business is ready for whatever winter brings. Reach out today to learn how we can help keep your business running smoothly this season.

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