Tips for Avoiding Flooding During Cold Weather

10/19/2018 (Permalink)

Protect your business in Laurel,MT against frozen pipes

Flooding isn't the only type of storm damage that could affect your business properties; freezing weather could lead to a burst pipe. One property of water is that it expands when it freezes, and during this process, metal and plastic pipes are put under a lot of pressure. As cold weather approaches, watch out for the following at-risk pipes:

• Exterior pipes, such as water sprinkler lines and outdoor hose bibs
• Pipes in unheated areas of the building, such as basements and garages
• Interior pipes that run along exterior walls with little to no insulation

There are several things you can do to protect against a frozen pipe and decrease the risk of flooding because of a burst pipe.

Prepare for Cold Weather

Drain all water from hoses before putting them away and close valves between the interior and the exterior of the building. Clear sprinkler supply lines and drain standing water from landscaping features. Add insulation around interior pipes in unheated areas and against exterior walls. It doesn't take much insulation to protect against freezing. Some products, such as pipe sleeves and heat tape can boost the level of protection.

Adjust Your Habits When Temperatures Drop

Leave the thermostat set at the same temperature during the day and the night, even if employees and staff have left for the day. The increase in your heating bill is sure to be much less than the cost of hiring emergency remediation specialists and any losses you may incur if you aren't able to maintain business operations. You may also want to leave a slow drip through the faucets and open cabinet doors to allow warm air to flow around pipes.

Cold weather in Laurel,MT, could lead to water damages that don't have anything to do with flooding or heavy rainfall. Avoid expensive repairs and the loss of profits by planning ahead and preventing storm damages related to cold temperatures.