Preparing Your Pipes for Winter Weather

Let's face it, living in the South means that winter is hit or miss. Some years, we are granted mild temperatures, while others, we may find ourselves in the midst of a deep freeze. Just this year, parts of the South were gripped by an uncharacteristic ice storm that left many unprepared for the accompanying power outages and frozen pipes. When you own commercial property, there is no “wait and see” luxury for winter weather. Preparation is an absolute must, and plumbing falls very high on the priority list.

Dangers of Frozen Pipes

As temperatures dip, the danger of frozen and burst pipes increases. Water expands when it freezes, meaning that your inflexible pipes are under increasing pressure as they work to hold in a solid that is growing in size. As a result, pipes may burst, leaving you with extensive water damage that can be both costly and time-consuming to repair.

Winter Plumbing Preparation

The best way to avoid frozen pipes and potential water damage is by taking appropriate preventative measures to winterize your pipes. Chief among these is ensuring that the temperature around your pipes does not dip below freezing. Inside, this means keeping your property well-heated and taking care to clean ducts so that air circulation remains uninhibited. For exposed pipes outside of the structure, this means using insulation to trap in warmth.

Signs of Frozen Pipes

While prevention is always best, we know that there are circumstances where frozen pipes will occur and take property owners completely by surprise. If that happens to you, there are some immediate steps you can take to help prevent a worst-case scenario.

If you notice signs of frozen pipes like no water from faucets, the first step you should take is to contact a licensed plumber for professional help. They can help restore your pipes while also maintaining their structural integrity. Should you choose to try and unfreeze pipes yourself, use something like a hairdryer to gradually raise the temperature surrounding the frozen section. Do not apply heat directly to the pipe for an extended period of time, as this extreme and sudden change in temperatures can cause the pipe to crack.

Preventing Cold Weather Maintenance Complications

If you want to be prepared for any and all winter-related maintenance complications, consider pre-loss planning services from certified restoration experts like Guarantee Restoration Services. Not only can our team help you take the appropriate steps to prevent a catastrophic event like burst pipes, but we can also help ensure you are fully prepared and able to get back on your feet as quickly as possible should any type of property damage occur.