As winter approaches, businesses with unheated spaces like warehouses, storage areas, or offices in attics and basements face the risk of frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can lead to serious disruptions, as water expands when it freezes, causing pipes to crack or burst. This can result in expensive repairs, inventory loss, and business downtime. In this blog, we will take a look at taking proactive preventive measures and outline practical tips to help safeguard your business’s plumbing and ensure you're prepared for winter’s challenges.

A strong business plan includes preparing for emergencies and potential natural disasters. When unexpected events like property damage occur, lost time means lost revenue and potentially lost customers.The NDS PRIME™ Program provides the peace of mind you need by minimizing disruptions to your business operations. From 24/7 emergency response to pre-loss planning and post-loss reconstruction, NDS works seamlessly with major insurance companies to ensure that your business can recover quickly and efficiently, so you're never left vulnerable.

Why Are Unheated Areas at Risk for Frozen Pipes?

Unheated spaces in your business, such as storage rooms, garages, or attics, are often poorly insulated and exposed to cold temperatures, making them highly prone to freezing conditions. Water inside pipes can freeze when the temperature drops below 32°F (0°C), especially if the pipes are near exterior walls or in poorly insulated spaces. If the frozen water expands within the pipe, it can cause the pipe to rupture, resulting in flooding and extensive damage once the ice thaws and the water begins to flow again.

Essential Steps You Can Take to Safeguard Vulnerable Areas

1. Insulate Your Pipes: The most effective way to prevent frozen pipes is to insulate them. Insulation helps keep the temperature of the pipes above freezing, even in these unheated, often ignored areas. There are several types of pipe insulation materials available, including foam pipe insulation, fiberglass insulation, and rubber sleeves. Installing insulation on pipes in unheated areas is a simple and a cost-effective way to reduce the likelihood of freezing during these cold winter months. These materials are designed to wrap around your pipes and provide a protective barrier against the cold.

For maximum protection, focus on areas where pipes are most exposed to the elements, such as:

• Exposed pipes in storage areas and unheated workspaces

• Pipes near windows, vents, and doors

• Pipes in crawl spaces or basements

2. Seal Gaps and Cracks: Cold air can enter your home through gaps and cracks in the walls, floors, and ceilings, especially around windows, doors, and exterior pipes. This cold air can quickly lower the temperature around your pipes, making them more prone to freezing. To prevent this, inspect your storage areas, crawl spaces, and other unheated areas for any gaps or cracks that might be letting in the cold.

Use sealant, spray foam, or weather stripping to seal these openings. Be sure to pay special attention to areas around pipes where they enter or exit the walls, as well as around vents and window frames. By sealing these gaps, you reduce the amount of cold air entering the space, which helps keep the temperature around the pipes above freezing.

3. Install Heating Tape or Cables: You may want to consider installing heating tape or cables around your pipes. These products are designed to generate heat and keep the pipes warm during extreme cold weather.

Heating cables are easy to install and can be wrapped around exposed pipes. They work by maintaining a consistent temperature around the pipes, preventing them from freezing. Some models come with built-in thermostats, so they only turn on when the temperature drops to a certain level, making them energy-efficient.

4. Maintain a Consistent Temperature: While it may not be practical to heat an entire storage area or unheated workspace, you can help maintain a more consistent temperature by allowing heat from other parts of your facility to circulate into these spaces. If there’s a door or opening between heated areas and unheated sections, consider keeping it open to promote warm air flow and reduce the risk of freezing.

In extremely cold conditions, consider using a space heater in unheated areas, if possible. Ensure that all safety guidelines are followed, and never leave the heater unattended. A small space heater can help maintain temperatures above freezing, minimizing the risk of frozen pipes and potential damage to your business operations.

5. Allow Faucets to Drip: In extreme cold weather, allowing faucets connected to vulnerable pipes to drip can help prevent freezing. When water is allowed to flow, even slightly, it’s less likely to freeze inside the pipes. While this method may use a little extra water, it’s a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.

6. Open Cabinet Doors: If your business has plumbing located in cabinets, especially near exterior walls, keep the cabinet doors open during very cold weather. This allows warm air from heated areas of your facility to circulate around the pipes, reducing the risk of freezing. Leaving the doors slightly open at night, when temperatures are at their lowest, can also provide added protection.

This strategy is particularly effective in areas like breakrooms or restrooms but can also be helpful in unheated spaces such as storage rooms or garages, depending on your building's layout.

7. Consider a Low-Cost Heater for Extreme Cold: In cases of prolonged freezing temperatures, a small, low-cost space heater can make a big difference. By placing the heater in an unheated area, you can help maintain a temperature above freezing, preventing your pipes from freezing. When using a space heater, be sure to follow safety guidelines, keep the area well-ventilated, and never leave the heater unattended.

8. Professional Inspections and Maintenance: Regular inspections from a professional plumber can help identify weak spots in your plumbing system before they become a problem. A plumber can check the condition of your pipes, recommend additional insulation, and even install heating cables where necessary. Taking a proactive approach to plumbing maintenance can prevent costly repairs and minimize the chances of frozen pipes.

Call NDS for Fast Relief from Frozen Pipes and Water Damage

Addressing frozen or burst pipes quickly is essential to safeguarding your business. Delays can result in extensive water damage, mold growth, and costly structural issues. At the first sign of trouble, contact us immediately to minimize disruptions and prevent further complications.