Protecting Your Business from Frozen Pipes

1/17/2025 (Permalink)

As winter temperatures drop, the risk of frozen pipes rises, and for business owners, the potential for costly water damage becomes a serious concern. Frozen pipes can burst, flooding your property with water and significantly damaging your building, inventory, and equipment. The good news is that many frozen pipes are preventable with simple precautions. You can save your business from costly repairs and lost revenue by taking action now.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipes exposed to cold air—especially those in unheated areas like basements, attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls—are at the highest risk of freezing. Insulating these pipes is one of the most effective ways to prevent freezing and avoid water damage.

How to insulate your pipes:

• Use foam pipe insulation or fiberglass sleeves to wrap exposed pipes. These materials provide a layer of protection against freezing temperatures.
• Use heat tape or cables to protect pipes in icy areas (like unheated warehouses or storage spaces). These can be plugged in to provide heat directly to the pipes.
• Don’t forget about outdoor faucets! Attach insulated covers or disconnect garden hoses to prevent freezing.

Maintain Consistent Indoor Temperatures

While it may seem obvious, maintaining a consistent indoor temperature prevents frozen pipes. If your heating system is too low, areas of your building can get cold enough for pipes to freeze. Even if certain parts of your building are closed off for the season, avoid turning the heat down too much.

How to keep temperatures stable:

• Set your thermostat to at least 55°F (13°C) during winter months, even if your business is closed for the holidays or weekends.
• Consider installing a smart thermostat that can alert you if the temperature in your building drops unexpectedly.
• Ensure your heating system is serviced regularly to prevent malfunctions and check that all areas of your business, including basements and storage rooms, receive adequate heat.

Seal Cracks and Gaps in Your Building

Frozen pipes are more likely to occur when cold air can enter your business through cracks, gaps, or unsealed spaces. Even small openings can let in enough cold air to cause pipes to freeze. Pay close attention to areas around windows, doors, vents, and the foundation.

How to seal gaps effectively:

• Inspect your business’s exterior for cracks or gaps, particularly around windows, doors, and foundations.
• Use caulk or expanding foam to seal any gaps. For larger openings, consider installing weatherstripping or a door sweep.
• Ensure to insulate areas around pipe openings or vents that lead to the outside.

Keep Cabinet Doors Open in Kitchens and Bathrooms

If your business has kitchens, restrooms, or break rooms with plumbing, it’s essential to take extra precautions during cold spells. Pipes running along exterior walls or under sinks can freeze if they are not insulated.

How to protect your plumbing:

• During freezing spells, open the cabinet doors under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms to allow warm air to circulate the pipes.
• If faucets are prone to freezing, let them drip slightly to keep the water moving. Moving water is less likely to freeze than stagnant water.
• Ensure pipes near exterior walls are insulated and protected with foam or heat tape.

Commercial Water Damage Restoration with SERVPRO

Frozen pipes can wreak havoc on your business, resulting in water damage, costly repairs, and lost productivity. However, with the proper precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk and ensure your property stays protected throughout winter. If the worst happens, know that you can rely on our water damage restoration professionals to quickly and effectively restore your business to its pre-damage condition.