Can Water Pipes Burst In Freezing Temperatures?

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

Keep interior spaces warm and consider adding insulation around pipes and attics.

Do Freezing Temperatures Cause Water Pipes To Burst?

When weather reports show severe conditions rolling in, many business owners find it helpful to prepare for the storm. While it's true your business can sustain flood damage from excessive rain, commercial storm damage often involves issues with water freezing and causing a burst pipe. Take the following basic precautions to make sure your business is safe from the severe cold in Ontarioville, IL.

Avoid Standing Water

As temperatures plummet, water is more likely to freeze as it sits stagnant and exposed to the cold. To prevent a frozen pipe at your commercial facility, be sure all standing water is removed. Common ways to prevent sitting water during a cold spell may include the following:

• Drain pools
  
• Blow out sprinkler lines
  
• Store hoses indoors
  
  

Add Insulation

Some business owners make the mistake of believing that because a pipe is in an interior space that a burst pipe incident due to freezing is unlikely. By contrast, interior pipes are often left exposed and have little to no warm airflow reaching them. Keep interior spaces warm and consider adding insulation around pipes, in rafters and attics, under sinks, through crawl spaces and along pipes that touch exterior walls.

Keep Water Warm and Flowing

If you plan on being away from your business during the coldest hours of the day, it may be wise to take measures to prevent freezing from occurring. As always, keep your interior temperatures at or above 55 degrees, even if no employees are present. This will reduce the chance of a frozen pipeline. Additionally, leave a small trickle of water running to allow for continuous flow and movement of your water supply. Creating movement reduces the chance of freezing significantly.

Call The Local Experts

If you happened to experience a burst pipe during recent temperature drops, you should turn to a local storm restoration crew to assist you in the cleanup. Repairing the damage and preventing future freezing is the best way to get your business up and running again.