As a business owner or commercial property manager, one of your top priorities is keeping your tenants safe and comfortable. Unfortunately, frozen pipes are a common problem in office buildings during winter. If you’re not careful, a frozen pipe can quickly turn into a burst pipe, which can cause extensive damage to your property. Fortunately, you can prevent frozen pipes in your office building in the following ways:
1. Keep the Building Heated
As the weather gets colder, office buildings need extra care to prevent frozen pipes. You can do this by keeping the building heated. The ideal temperature is around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature dips below this, the risk of pipes freezing increases. In addition to heating the building, office buildings should also take steps to insulate any exposed pipes. It’ll help to keep them from getting too cold and prevent them from freezing.
2. Inspect the Property for Cracks and Leaks
Inspect the property for cracks and leaks, especially in older buildings, where pipes remain exposed to the elements. Seal existing leaks as soon as possible. In addition, it’s a good idea to insulate exposed pipes with foam insulation or by wrapping them in towels or blankets. Consider involving an expert for a thorough check-up in all areas, including heating and cooling systems and plumbing.
3. Insulate Pipes and Ductwork
Frozen pipes are a common problem in office buildings during the winter months. When water freezes, it expands and can exert tremendous pressure on the pipes. It can cause the pipes to burst, leading to costly repairs.
One way to prevent frozen pipes is to insulate the pipes and ductwork. It helps to keep the heat in and the cold out, reducing the risk of the water freezing. In addition, it is important to seal gaps or cracks where cold air might enter.
4. Install Pipe Heaters
As the temperatures outside begin to drop, it’s important to use pipe heaters to prevent frozen pipes in an office building. Pipe heaters work by circulating warm air around the pipes, preventing them from getting too cold and preventing the water inside from freezing.
Make sure the thermostat in the office building is set to at least 55 degrees, and close any doors or windows that might be letting in cold air. You should also check any exposed pipes for leaks or cracks and seal them up if necessary.
5. Educate Tenants About How To Prevent Frozen Pipes
You can provide tenants tips and advice on keeping their pipes from freezing, such as keeping the heat on in their homes, opening cabinets to let warm air circulate, and running water regularly.
6. Have a Plan in Place for Dealing With Frozen Pipes
If your pipes freeze, shut off the water immediately and call a professional for assistance. Never try to thaw or unfreeze pipes yourself, as this can cause serious damage. Have a plan for dealing with frozen pipes ahead of time, so you know what to do if it happens.
Follow these six steps to prevent frozen pipes in your office building, and you’ll be able to rest easy during the winter months. If you experience a frozen pipe despite your best efforts, don’t panic. Collaborate with a professional plumber to help you thaw the pipe and make any necessary repairs.