Cold snaps and wicked winter weather last year left many business owners with no power, no water, and no option but to temporarily close their doors. Cold weather is here. Are you and your pipes ready for freezing temperatures?
We’ve compiled a list of 7 D.I.Y. actions you and your team can tackle this winter to help keep your pipes from freezing.
Slow Drip
If your water pipes pass through unheated or unprotected enclosed spaces, consider allowing a slow drip from your faucets to reduce the buildup of pressure in the pipes. Even if water in a pipe does freeze, the pressure released from a slow drip may help to reduce the likelihood of a ruptured pipe.
Expose Enclosed Pipes to Warmer Air
Water pipes are vulnerable near exterior walls. Open the cabinets under faucets and consider removing basement ceiling tiles to expose these pipes to warmer air from the room. This allows the warmer air from the room to circulate into those enclosed areas and may help to keep those pipes warmer, possibly preventing a ruptured pipe.
Set the Thermostat to at Least 55 Degrees
Maintain a minimum interior building temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Periodically check on any unoccupied buildings or spaces for signs of low interior temperatures or ruptured pipes.
Don’t Allow Inside Temperatures to Fluctuate
Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during day and night.
Insulate Exterior Spigots
Protect outdoor spigots with insulating domes or other coverings to reduce the likelihood of those water pipes freezing and rupturing. Disconnect all exterior hoses from outdoor spigots. If possible, install frost-free spigots, whose design allows residual water to drain forwards out of the fixture, and have a turn-off value further back than a standard outdoor faucet.
Monitor Space Heater Use
Space heaters are sometimes used to keep interior spaces warm (and piping heated), but use extreme caution and maintain constant supervision with space heaters. Never plug a space heater into an extension cord – they should be plugged in directly to an outlet.
Shut off the Water Immediately if You Notice a Leak
If you notice any water leakage, immediately shut off the system control valves that lead to any leaking pipes, to reduce water damage and business interruptions. Immediately contact a licensed and qualified plumber to assess the situation to prevent further damage and to make necessary repairs
