How to Winterise Your Plumbing to Prevent Freezing Pipes

As the colder months approach, it is essential to prioritise plumbing systems to prevent frozen pipes.

The consequences of frozen pipes can be severe and, quite frankly, business destroying for

commercial buildings. Burst pipes in commercial settings can range from a small pipe crack to costly water damage and even stubborn long-term mould growth.

Winter is coming. Are you prepared to protect your commercial spaces?

It is essential to understand why pipes freeze in the first place. Exposure to glacial temperatures and lack of insulation are typically the primary culprits.

Let’s discuss how to protect your commercial plumbing systems, what to do if pipes freeze, and what can happen if you don’t protect your plumbing this winter.

The Cost of Frozen Water Pipes in Commercial Buildings

In a typical commercial plumbing system, pipes will most likely freeze in unheated or uninsulated areas such as ceiling spaces, basements, and crawlspaces. Preventing burst pipes and plumbing winter disasters would be better than dealing with the expensive consequences.

According to research, ABI insurers are paying out a vast £8 million per day on escape of water claims, highlighting that while this could be a frequency issue, it is also predominantly a severity problem.

Frozen Commercial Water Pipes: What Could Happen?

The idea of a burst water pipe can give the dramatic vision of an almost tidal escape of water with a flowing river down staircases and pouring out exit doors. In comparison, the truth is that slow leaks can cause more damage by going through several floors and possibly to the property’s foundations.

Even if the water is shut off quickly, a pipe can expel several gallons of water. This can quickly damage the walls and flooring, causing partial or total business closures until repairs can be done.

Many different issues can affect the extent of damage from a burst water pipe, including:

Building Design Can Affect Water Leak Damage

The design and construction of a building can affect the likelihood and severity of water damage. Unheated ceiling spaces, poorly insulated pipes between interior and exterior walls, and flawed installation of plumbing systems are common structural factors that can lead to burst pipes.

Fire Prevention Systems and Water Leaks

While fire suppression systems such as sprinklers can save lives, they can also make insurance claims for water damage more costly. Water from sprinklers comes from larger pipes, has a more forceful

flow, and is sprayed directly from overhead using a comprehensive dispersal system.

Multi-Storey Buildings and Water Leaks

In multi-story buildings, water can spread across floors, through absorbent surfaces, and down into the lowest parts of the building, contaminating everything it touches. If a pipe bursts on the upper floors of a hotel or an apartment building, owners of commercial properties may need to replace

drywall, flooring, lighting, and carpeting in every unit beneath the leak.

How Older Buildings Suffer from Water Leaks

The age of the commercial building also increases the risks and costs associated with water damage. Older buildings are more likely to have outdated pipes that may break and require extensive updates. If a pipe bursts in an older commercial property, owners may need to pay for any necessary updates to bring the building up to current building codes.

How to Winterise a Commercial Building’s Plumbing?

Winterising a commercial building’s plumbing is vital to ensure the pipes don’t freeze and cause

damage during the colder months. Here are a few steps that can be taken to winterise the plumbing system:

• Insulate the pipes: One of the most critical steps in winterising the plumbing system is to insulate the pipes. This can be done by wrapping them in insulation, such as Nitrile, Mineral Wool, or Phenolic Lagging. Pipes in unheated zones such as attics, basements, or crawlspaces should be the priority.
• Drain the water: If the building will be unoccupied during the winter months, it’s a good idea to drain the water from the plumbing system. This can be done by turning off the main water supply valve, opening all the taps, and letting the water This will prevent any water from freezing in the pipes and causing damage.
• Keep the heat If the building is going to be occupied during the winter months, it’s essential to keep the heat on. Keeping the heating on low will help to prevent the pipes from freezing. The temperature should be kept at a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Check for leaks: Before winterising the plumbing system, it’s important to check for any leaks and thoroughly inspect the whole system. Any leaks should be repaired before winterising the system. This will prevent any water from freezing in the pipes and causing damage.

Following these steps ensures that your commercial building’s plumbing system is winterised and protected from the cold weather.

Order pipe insulation through our Brymec Breeze service, which offers easy direct-to-the-site delivery. Our customer-focused supply strategy is set up to increase efficiency, profitability, and provide a hassle-free service.

Contact us for our fast delivery service or call us on 0333 000 55 55 for more information.

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