Freezing Pipes - Prevention

To help protect your pipes from freezing, consider the following:

• Insulate all accessible pipes using pipe insulation (this can be found at your local hardware store).
• Keep all exterior entry, exit and overhead doors to unheated spaces closed as much as possible during the winter months.
• Prior to the winter months, ensure that all cracks, holes, and other openings on the exterior walls are sealed tightly with caulk or insulation to prevent cold air from penetrating the wall cavity.
• If any pipes are located adjacent to exterior walls or within base-cabinets or in closets, leave the cabinet/closet doors open or use a fan to increase warm air circulation around the pipes.
• If you have rest rooms, kitchens, or service rooms with water sources located on exterior walls, it is likely that the plumbing for these systems is located inside the exterior walls. Or, if you have piping coming up through the floor over an unheated room or unheated crawlspace under your building, it is likely there is plumbing exposed to freezing weather.
• In areas of severe cold weather, as specified on the map below, pay close attention to local weather reports for notice of extreme weather. When extreme cold weather is predicted, let all faucets drip to prevent freezing of the water inside the pipe and if freezing does occur, to relieve pressure buildup in the pipes between the ice blockage and the faucet. The pressure buildup is the actual cause of bursting pipes.

• Install a water leak detection system, available at your plumbing supply store, which will alert someone to respond in the event water is detected.
• Install a valve that allows you to shut off the water supply during periods when the building may be unoccupied, particularly when colder weather is expected. Be sure to drain your water supply system before leaving the building unoccupied.
• Connect your sprinkler system to a water flow alarm that will alert a responder. In the event of a pipe rupture or a damaged sprinkler head, the responder will shut off the water supply. This will help limit water damage potential.
• If your business is unoccupied for more than 24 hours at a time, you should have a plan in place to inspect the building once a day for freezing pipes during the winter months.
• To check pipes, turn on each water supply faucet individually (both hot and cold) to ensure that there is a steady stream of water present. If the flow of water is slowed, or worse, there is no flow, then it is likely that your pipe has frozen. Identify the blockage (probably the area of most exposure) and use a blow dryer (do NOT use an open flame torch!) to heat the supply line, leaving the faucet open. Continue heating the pipe until there is a steady flow of water.

For More Information Visit: DisasterSafety.org