What Columbia County, NY Business Owners Should Know About Frozen Pipes

5/16/2024 (Permalink)

Prepare your business ahead of time to help avoid frozen pipes in the winter months! SERVPRO of Columbia & Greene Counties is here to help 24/7!

Understanding the how, the why and the dangers of frozen pipes is a must for anyone who lives in a climate where there are super cold winters, but that is especially true for business owners in these areas as well. Frozen pipes can be a serious threat to commercial property, and while they can often be repaired and remedied, it’s much less of a hassle, inconvenience and cost to try to prevent them from occurring in the first place.

If you are unsure how frozen pipes happen, how they cause damage and how they can be treated, we’ve got some info for you! We’ve compiled together everything business owners should know about frozen pipes so you can keep your commercial property safe and without interruption.

WHY Frozen Pipes Occur-

While it is a common misconception that frozen pipes are only an issue when the weather turns bitterly cold, the truth is, they can happen any time the temperature falls under 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If pipes are not insulated well enough and contain stagnant water, they can quickly freeze and become blocked and burst from the pressure. If the pipes are in an area that isn’t well insulated (like a garage or utility room), this scenario adds to the chances of a problem.

HOW Frozen Pipes Cause Damage

While a pipe freezing does not cause damage itself, it can lead to the pipe bursting, which can cause serious issues. When there is a blockage in the pipe (in this case, ice), the water behind the blockage has nowhere to go. Eventually, this force can overwhelm the material the pipe is made of and lead to a burst, which means there will be an outpouring of water from the weakened area.

WHAT To Do If You Find a Frozen Pipe

If there is a frozen pipe in your commercial property, you may be able to remedy the situation. Making the area around the pipe warmer can help thaw the ice inside, preventing a burst from occurring. Calling a trusted plumbing professional is always recommended. Whatever method you choose to utilize, please do so safely and follow all fire prevention protocols.

HOW To Prevent a Frozen Pipe

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent pipes from freezing in the first place. Insulating or wrapping pipes during the winter, keeping the heat on in your building, at least above 55 degrees, even when your business is not operational and turning on faucets to a trickle during any extreme cold spells can all significantly reduce the likelihood that a pipe will burst in your business. Please keep in mind, running a space heater in less-insulated rooms is NOT a long-term solution, it’s only a major fire hazard. Short-term use of a space heater, properly plugged into a wall outlet and not an extension cord, can help for a short period of time. If there are exterior spigots or sprinkler heads, take extra precautions in the fall to ensure those are winterized or serviced by professionals. 

*If you experience water damage due to a burst pipe or any other cause in your commercial property, SERVPRO® of Columbia & Greene Counties is here to help. We’re local, highly trained and experienced and available 24/7. Contact us today so we can help make the water damage, “Like it never even happened.”