Preventing Winter Pipe Bursts: Plumbing Maintenance for Commercial Buildings
Winter pipe bursts can wreak havoc on your business. In addition to causing costly damages, burst pipes also lead to unexpected downtime and disruptions to daily operations. With winter fast approaching, it’s vital that you do everything possible to ensure your building’s plumbing system is ready for freezing temperatures.
Proper plumbing maintenance helps safeguard your property and keeps your business running smoothly all year. Learn how to prevent winter pipe bursts while keeping your plumbing in top shape.
Why Winter Pipe Bursts Happen
Pipe bursts are often caused by freezing temperatures, which cause water to expand inside pipes. This pressure weakens the pipes’ walls, leading to cracks or complete ruptures. In the commercial setting, sprinklers are the most common cause of winter pipe bursts. These types of water damage incidents are also 33% more expensive than domestic water pipe losses.
If your business is in an area prone to freezing temperatures — like Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. — you must perform preventive plumbing maintenance to safeguard your building against winter pipe bursts.
Insulate Pipes in Vulnerable Areas
One of the most effective ways to prevent winter pipe bursts is by insulating pipes in areas prone to freezing. Pipes located in unheated spaces, such as basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls, are at the highest risk. That’s why sprinkler systems are a common cause of winter pipe bursts.
Older structures are more likely to have unprotected pipes. You’ll need to insulate your pipes using foam, fiberglass sleeves, or heat tape to fix the issue. An experienced commercial plumbing partner like The Severn Group can identify the best insulation system for your pipes and provide a seamless installation experience.
In addition to insulating your pipes, you’ll also need to inspect areas where pipes pass through walls or ceilings. These areas must be insulated to prevent cold air from seeping through gaps or cracks.
Seal Air Leaks to Keep the Cold Out
Drafts and air leaks can lower the temperature around pipes, increasing the likelihood of freezing. Sealing leaks throughout your building is a cost-effective step to protect your plumbing. Here are some tips to get started:
- Inspect Windows and Doors: Use caulking or weatherstripping to eliminate drafts
- Check Utility Access Points: Make sure to seal the spaces around plumbing, wiring, and ductwork with foam or insulation
- Examine Roof Openings: Properly seal HVAC system pathways, vents, and any other openings on your roof
These tips can also help reduce your heating and cooling costs, saving you money all year.
Schedule Regular Plumbing Inspections
Proactive plumbing inspections are essential for identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities before winter arrives. These inspections should focus on:
- Pipe Integrity: Look for signs of corrosion or leaks.
- Valve Function: Ensure shut-off valves are in good working condition.
- Drainage Systems: Confirm that water drains properly to avoid blockages that could lead to pressure buildup.
If your building has older metal pipes, you may need to replace them. Aging plumbing systems are more prone to winter pipe bursts, especially if their integrity is already compromised due to corrosion.
Maintain a Consistent Building Temperature
Turning off your heating system may sound like a savvy cost-saving move. While that’s true, shutting off the heat entirely can also lead to winter pipe bursts. Even when parts of your commercial building are unoccupied, you must maintain a temperature well above freezing. However, you can lower the thermostat setting in unoccupied areas several degrees lower than in occupied spaces.
We recommend installing smart thermostats throughout your facility. These devices can be programmed based on your operational hours to reduce heating costs without increasing the risk of burst pipes. The Severn Group can help you automate your temperature control processes. As a full-service commercial HVAC and plumbing provider, we specialize in optimizing heating and cooling efficiency.
Drain and Shut Off Exterior Water Lines
There’s no need to irrigate your landscaping during snowfall or freezing temperatures. In addition to shutting off your irrigation system, you’ll also need to drain any water lines. If water remains in these pipes, it could freeze and burst. You’ll need to:
- Disconnect Hoses: Remove all hoses and attachments from outdoor spigots.
- Drain Sprinkler Systems: Use compressed air to clear water from sprinkler lines.
- Shut Off Exterior Valves: Turn off the water supply to exterior faucets and open the spigots to drain any remaining water.
This simple process can drastically reduce the risk of winter pipe bursts and keep your irrigation system intact.
Implement Emergency Plans
Despite your best efforts, winter pipe bursts can still happen. That’s why you need an emergency response plan to minimize potential damage.
Start by installing water sensors throughout your building, focusing on high-risk areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Ensure your facility maintenance team knows the locations of shut-off valves so they can access them quickly in case of a water leak.
Most importantly, ensure you have a reliable commercial plumbing partner like The Severn Group in your corner. Once your team shuts off the water supply, our plumbing professionals can take the lead and make any necessary repairs so you can minimize downtime.
Prevent Winter Pipe Bursts With The Severn Group
Partner with The Severn Group, an experienced commercial plumbing services provider, to mitigate the risk of winter pipe bursts. Our team provides 24-hour emergency service, maintenance contracts, and more. Schedule an inspection with our team and get ready for winter.
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