Frozen pipes aren’t just a problem for homeowners; they can cause significant disruptions for businesses as well. From costly repairs to lost revenue due to closures, the impact of frozen pipes on a business can be severe. Taking proactive measures, such as dripping water faucets during prolonged cold spells, is a simple yet effective way to prevent freezing pipes and maintain operations.

This guide explains how businesses can implement this easy strategy that you may not have thought about as well as answer common questions to help ensure smooth operations during cold weather.

Why Dripping Faucets Is Essential for Businesses

In a business setting, frozen pipes can halt operations, damage property, and disrupt customer service, not to mention cost you money. Dripping faucets ensures that water remains in motion, reducing the risk of freezing in pipes. This simple step can save businesses from the expense and downtime associated with pipe repairs and water damage.

How to Properly Drip Faucets in a Business

Identify At-Risk Areas

Start by identifying areas where pipes are most vulnerable to freezing. These typically include:

• Faucets on exterior walls or in unheated spaces, such as storage areas, basements, or crawl spaces.

• Pipes located in areas with poor insulation.

• Any plumbing connected to outdoor water sources.

Pro Tip: By focusing on these high-risk areas, you can maximize the effectiveness of your efforts.

Choose the Right Faucets

Select faucets that are connected to the most vulnerable pipes. For larger facilities, dripping multiple faucets in different areas may be necessary to ensure adequate water movement throughout the plumbing system.

Use Both Hot and Cold Water

To prevent freezing, let both hot and cold water drip. This ensures that pipes connected to your hot water system are also protected. Running both lines can prevent the expansion and freezing of water in these systems.

Set the Right Drip Rate

The water flow doesn’t need to be excessive. A steady drip, similar to the pace of a leaky faucet, is plenty. This minimizes water waste while keeping pipes safe. For large facilities, check the drip rate periodically to ensure it remains consistent.

Keep Dripping Continuously

Maintain a steady drip as long as freezing temperatures persist, especially overnight when temperatures are at their lowest. This continuous movement of water helps prevent sudden freezing.

Common Questions and Answers for Businesses

Q: Which Faucets Should I Drip?

A: Focus on faucets in high-risk areas, such as those on exterior walls or in unheated spaces. If your business has multiple floors, consider dripping a faucet on each level to protect the entire plumbing system.

Q: Should I Run Hot or Cold Water?

A: Let both hot and cold water drip. This helps protect both sides of your plumbing system, including pipes connected to water heaters and boilers.

Q: How Much Water Should I Run?

A: A small, steady drip is enough. There’s no need for a full stream of water. The key is maintaining movement in the pipes to prevent freezing.

Q: How Long Should I Let the Water Drip?

A: Keep the faucets dripping continuously during the cold spell, particularly overnight or during extended periods of freezing temperatures.

Q: Isn’t Dripping Faucets Wasteful or Expensive?

A: While dripping faucets does increase water usage slightly, the cost is minimal compared to the potential expense of repairing burst pipes and addressing water damage. To minimize waste, consider capturing the dripping water in buckets or containers for reuse in cleaning or other non-potable applications.

Q: Can’t I Just Open Cabinet Doors?

A: Opening cabinet doors is a helpful step, especially for sinks located against exterior walls. This allows warm air to circulate around the pipes. However, this should be done in combination with dripping faucets for the best protection, as cabinet doors alone may not prevent freezing in prolonged cold spells.

Pro Tips for Your Businesses

Insulate Pipes: Invest in pipe insulation for at-risk areas. Foam pipe covers or heat tape can provide additional protection for exposed pipes in unheated spaces.

Maintain a Consistent Indoor Temperature: Keep the thermostat set to a consistent temperature, even after business hours. Avoid lowering it too much at night, as colder indoor temperatures increase the risk of frozen pipes.

Monitor Outdoor Faucets and Sprinkler Systems: Disconnect any garden hoses and shut off water supply lines to outdoor faucets. Consider installing frost-proof spigots or insulated covers to protect exterior plumbing.

Check for Drafts: Inspect your building for drafts around windows, doors, and other openings near pipes. Seal these areas with weather stripping or caulk to prevent cold air from entering.

Know the Location of Your Main Water Shutoff Valve: In case of an emergency, knowing how to quickly shut off the main water supply can help minimize damage from a burst pipe. Ensure all key personnel are aware of its location and how to use it.

Why Dripping Works for Businesses

Water freezes when it remains stationary in pipes exposed to freezing temperatures. By allowing a steady drip, you keep water moving, which reduces the chance of it freezing. For businesses, this simple measure can prevent costly repairs, property damage, and operational downtime.

Benefits of Dripping Faucets for Businesses

1. Protects Your Investment: Preventing frozen pipes safeguards your property and infrastructure.

2. Minimizes Downtime: Avoiding plumbing issues ensures uninterrupted operations.

3. Reduces Repair Costs: Proactive measures are far more affordable than emergency repairs or renovations.

4. Preserves Customer Trust: Maintaining a functional and welcoming environment prevents disruptions that could impact customer experiences.

For businesses, preventing frozen pipes during prolonged cold spells is not just about avoiding inconvenience; it’s about protecting your bottom line. Dripping water faucets is an easy, cost-effective way to safeguard your plumbing system and maintain smooth operations. By following the steps outlined here and addressing common concerns, you can ensure your business stays resilient during even the coldest weather.

Prepare Now with the NDS PRIME Program

Take the time to prepare now, and you’ll thank yourself later when your pipes stay intact, your operations remain steady, and your business thrives, no matter how low the temperatures drop. With the NDS PRIME™ Program, you gain proactive solutions tailored to help your business stay ahead of cold weather challenges. From frozen pipes to operational disruptions, we ensure you’re ready for anything.

Why Prepare Now?

• Prevent Pipe Damage: Avoid costly repairs and downtime with winterization strategies.

• Maintain Operations: Keep your business running smoothly, no matter how harsh the weather.

• Peace of Mind: Be confident knowing you’re equipped to handle any temperature drop.

Take the time to prepare now, and you’ll thank yourself later. When the temperatures plunge, you’ll be glad your pipes stay intact, your operations remain steady, and your business continues to thrive.

Get started today—because preparation is the best way to protect your business tomorrow. Contact us today!