How To Protect Pipes When Storms Bring Freezing Temperatures

11/13/2020 (Permalink)

Pipes that are exposed to the weather can freeze and cause water damage.

In conversations about storm damage in North St. Paul, MN, people generally think about rain and how that much water could impact their businesses. However, rainstorms aren't the only sources of storm-related water damage. Another common occurrence is damage, such as a burst pipe, that takes place after winter storms bring a drop in temperatures.

Why Are Frozen Pipes a Problem?

When wintry temperatures come around, the freezing weather causes standing water and fluids in the pipes to freeze. Why is this a problem?

Water expands as it freezes.

Expanding water puts a lot of pressure on pipes.
Metal, plastic, and other pipe materials can't stand up to the pressure, so they break.

No matter how tough the pipes and other components of your water and sewer system, they cannot withstand the pressure of expanding water.

How Can You Avoid Frozen Pipes?

The good news is that you can take a few simple steps to avoid a frozen pipe on your commercial property:

• Identify the pipes most likely to freeze. For example, any pipes on the exterior walls or that are exposed to the weather.
• Avoid a burst pipe by draining water out of hoses, swimming pools, and sprinkler systems.
• Keep external valves open, so that any water can drain out or expand without causing pipe damage.
• Add insulation around exposed pipes, both inside and outside.
• Look for areas on the property that may be susceptible to standing water.
• Maintain a consistent temperature in rooms where pipes run, even during the night and over weekends.

As you learn more about the vulnerability of your pipes, take extra steps to protect them from freezing.

What If Pipes Still Freeze?

Occasionally, you may still experience a burst pipe even after taking precautions. When this happens, contact a water damage cleanup and repair professional. If mistakes are made during the thawing process, you may inadvertently cause further damage. After contacting professionals, keep faucets open and try to find the section of pipe that has frozen. At this point, you can begin thawing the pipes as you wait for technicians to arrive.