“Bundle up!”
It is a phrase that we all hear in the winter, especially when the latest Arctic blast dominates the weather story of the day. Bundling up typically refers to protecting our bodies against the onslaught and potential health risks associated with freezing temperatures. However, bundling up also applies to the pipes that allow water to travel to all four corners of homes and buildings.
When temperatures drop below the freezing point, the risk of pipes freezing jumps considerably. This is especially true if you do not implement preventative measures. According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), pipes that burst because of freezing temperatures can cause $5,000 or more in property damage. Just a crack that is less than a quarter-inch wide can release up to 250 gallons of water a day. Knowing how to prevent freezing pipes can potentially save building owners thousands of dollars every winter in maintenance costs.
The IBHS and the American Red Cross offer helpful guidance on how to prevent pipes from freezing during the coldest months of the year. What follows are easy and inexpensive recommendations that may reduce the liklihood of waterlines being damaged in your property.
Apply Sealant
One way to protect water lines is to seal obvious gaps with sealant, which reduces or eliminates cold air from penetrating. Caulk or spray insulation foam can close existing gaps that allow cold air to enter and also help mitigate future pipe damage. Frigid air that invades a home or building can turn an already cool cabinet compartment into an extremely cold space.
Open Cabinet Doors
Water pipes typically run behind cabinet compartments. When cold air takes over outside, simply keeping cabinet doors open for at least part of the day can maintain a warm enough temperature that reduces the risk of pipes freezing. This exercise encourages warm air to circulate evenly around pipes by entering spaces that often remain cooler in the winter months.
The More Insulation, the Better
Pipes that run through areas of a building that do not have enough insulation can freeze after just one night of exposure to frigid temperatures. Adding extra insulation is an affordable way to elevate temperatures for unprotected pipes. Insulation such as foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves are great choices for pipes and reduce their chance for freezing.
Apply an Electric Blanket
Heating tape acts like an electric blanket by providing direct heat to exposed pipes when the temperature plummets during the coldest months of the year. Applying heating tape is the best protective option when you need to fortify small sections that have developed minor cracks. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing heating tape to avoid overheating.
Open Faucets
Turning faucets on slightly relieves the pressure that builds up when water starts to freeze. When a pipe freezes, the pressure produced between the frozen section of pipe and the faucet is what causes a pipe to burst. When applying this preventative method, remember to open both cold and warm water faucets.
Ramp Up the Thermostat
This tip usually applies to properties that are vacant for a considerable amount of time. Increasing the temperature on all thermostats generates the warmth needed for heat to travel into open cabinets and other areas where water pipes are located. Although monthly heating bills may rise, this action may ultimately prevent the future budget-breaking expense of paying for damage caused by a burst water pipe.
Thawing Frozen Pipes
Thawing frozen pipes can prevent the pressure of frozen water from causing a rupture that produces considerable property damage. However, you have to ensure that you do not thaw frozen pipes too quickly to avoid water from flowing too fast.
Turn on the faucets slightly to generate a water flow. Apply warmth to the sections of the pipe that are frozen, such as using an electric heating pad that distributes warmth evenly over the surface of the pipe you need heated. Continue applying heat until the water pipes are capable of handling a normal amount of water pressure. To heat a cold room, plug in a space heater to an outlet that has a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
If you are unsure about how to prevent water pipes from freezing, hire a licensed HVAC professional to conduct an inspection that detects the areas of your home or building where water pipes are most vulnerable to freezing.
There for You: Acadia Insurance
At Acadia, we’re all about helping businesses throughout the Northeast thrive. Our mission is to provide superior service and product as close to you as possible, providing you with the backing you need to proceed with confidence.
We understand what you want most from your insurance is security and peace of mind. That means knowing you are backed by an insurance company who will support you every step of the way to help you protect your business.
With Acadia, not only can you get coverage tailored to your needs, but you will also receive support from dedicated claims professionals to guide you through the claim process in the event of a loss. That way, you know exactly what to expect. Knowing your claims professional by name and a hand shake – that’s “Closer Coverage”. Get to know more about how we work and find an agent near you.
Acadia is pleased to share this material for the benefit of its customers. Please note, however, that nothing herein should be construed as either legal advice or the provision of professional consulting services. This material is for informational purposes only, and while reasonable care has been utilized in compiling this information, no warranty or representation is made as to accuracy or completeness. Recipients of this material must utilize their own judgment in implementing sound risk management practices and procedures.
