2022 Winter Weather Can Bring Frozen Pipes!

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Frozen Pipe Damage

Now that January is in full swing for 2022 in the Effingham region and we can see by the thermometer that the tempuratures are falling dramatically. Water damage calls from frozen pipes really pick up in the Effingham and Coles County region when the mercury drops to single digits! When pipes freeze over, they expand and burst to a major water damage in your place of business.

Here are some great tips to help prevent frozen pipes:

Let your faucets to drip when the weather has extremely cold tempuratures. Letting a very small amount of water flow through pipes at all times during extreme cold weather spells can do a lot to prevent pipes from freezing. A steady drip is all that is needed to keep the pipes free from ice accumulation.

Many pipes do not have proper insulation or may be adjacent to an exterior wall that can cause them to freeze in cold weather. Pipe sleeves and heating tape can be applied to insulate these pipes. It is also a good precautionary measure to caulk around gaps where cold drafts can affect pipe temperatures.

Shut off any outside water sources that you don't need, especially if you are expecting particularly low temperatures. When a building is left unattended, make sure the thermostat is set no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Open cabinet doors under sinks and in storage areas to allow heat from the room to circulate around uninsulated pipes in cold rooms.

Dealing with frozen pipes

Hairdryer – This is one of the safest and most effective ways to thaw a pipe. Open the faucet and then heat the pipe by working back toward the area where the blockage has occurred.

Space heater – A small heater can work much faster than a hairdryer. Simply direct the heater toward the frozen area of the pipe but use caution when utilzing a space heater. Don't leave it unattended.

Make sure you and your employees know where the shut-off valve is located. If you are dealing with frozen pipes or water damage from frozen pipes in your commercial building call TEAM WOLFE at (217) 536-6655 as soon as possible to minimize secondary damage.