Dealing with Cold Weather

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

Many business owners are concerned about the cold weather, particularly those that operate out of warehouse facilities with exposed pipes.

Freezing occurs as a result of cold weather, putting a business at risk of a burst pipe or water line. There are a few things you can do to keep your pipes from freezing.

1. Keep the doors shut.

While it may seem self-evident, keeping doors, particularly warehouse garage doors, closed during work hours is one of the most straightforward ways to avoid a frozen pipe. Water lines in warehouses are frequently exposed, and if they are not adequately insulated, they might freeze and possibly burst, causing substantial damage and expenditure.

2. Open a Small Amount of Faucets

When conditions are expected to be cold or below freezing, simply turning on the cold water supply on taps closest to the exterior water lines can reduce the chance of a frozen or burst pipe. Standing water freezes more easily than moving water.

3. Maintain a Consistent Temperature

Maintaining a constant temperature, no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit, is most likely the greatest strategy to keep your company's pipes from freezing. While decreasing the temperature of your business after hours or over the holidays may appear to be a cost-cutting measure, you may be placing your business at risk of water damage, which might result in considerable downtime.

4. Create a strategy.

Finally, if the worst happens despite your precautions, having an emergency plan in place is a good idea. While you can and should construct an emergency action plan and checklist in-house, you may also wish to call a restoration business, as many of them provide emergency planning services.

An initial examination of your property and the customisation of an action plan in the case of an emergency or disaster are often included in these services.

A burst pipe can be disastrous for a business, not just because of the damage but also because of the disruption in operations. It's as simple as keeping doors closed and opening a faucet when necessary to avoid a pipe rupture due to freezing and maintaining a steady temperature throughout your facility.