Protecting Your Pipes During a Freeze: Tips for SC Businesses

After an unexpectedly chilly Thanksgiving, many South Carolina businesses will be relying heavily on their heating systems through the winter and into January. To help prevent sudden breakdowns, here are six practical steps you can take to protect your equipment as the temperatures continue to fall. With the right preparation, you and your team can stay warm and comfortable all season long.

Allow Your Faucets To Drip

When temperatures drop, the water inside your pipes can freeze. During this process, water expands and places extra pressure on your pipes. As temperatures fall, the water in your pipes can freeze. When this happens, it expands and puts added stress on your pipes. Oftentimes, this pressure can lead to pipe bursts, which can be expensive and time-consuming to fix. 

To prevent a pipe burst, it’s important that you allow your faucets to drip during cold weather.  faucets drip when temperatures drop. Opening the faucet allows for the built-up pressure to be released and lessens the chances of damage, according to a web article from the South Carolina Farm Bureau. 

Keep Your Building Warm When Temps Drop

Setting your thermostat too low can increase the risk of frozen pipes. To prevent this, you should set your thermostat between 55° and 60°Fahrenheit. Having the temperature adjusted after hours can help you save on utility costs and keep your pipes warm enough to avoid potential bursts.

Secure Your Outdoor Faucets and Pipes

Businesses need to take steps to protect outdoor faucets and pipes from the cold temperatures ahead. When water is left in hoses, faucets, or spigots during a freeze, it can expand and cause cracks or pipe bursts. These bursts can lead to flooding and damage both the faucet and the surrounding plumbing. Here are some measures you can take to prevent problems:

• Use a cover – Place protective covers on exterior hose spigots to help prevent freezing.
• Properly store your hoses – Drain and bring in all hoses to prevent trapped water from freezing and damaging the hose or spigot.
• Shut off your faucets – Turn off outdoor faucets at the main valve and drain any remaining water to reduce the risk of pipe bursts.

Draining and isolating your water lines in advance can help you prevent emergency plumbing problems during the winter months.

Insulate Vulnerable Pipes

Pipes in areas like your attic, basement or crawlspace are prone to bursting during winter. Wrapping them with insulation helps keep the heat in and the cold out, reducing the chance that exposed pipes will freeze and burst.

Most pipes can be protected from the cold using standard pipe insulation. For pipes in tight spaces, it’s a good idea to have a licensed plumber handle the insulation to ensure proper coverage and protection. 

For maximum protection, you should also seal any gaps that could affect your exposed pipes. While not directly related to plumbing, this process eliminates drafts and protects your pipes   from the frigid outdoor air. 

Other Ways To Safeguard Your Plumbing

In addition to our winter plumbing tips, we’ve also provided some additional recommendations to protect your system all year long. These include:

• Keep your grease traps maintained – Regular cleaning prevents clogs and keeps your kitchen plumbing running smoothly. 
• Educate staff on food disposal – Proper training reduces the risk of blockages, extending the lifespan of your plumbing system.
• Flush drains with hot water – Regularly flushing your drains with hot water dislodges buildup and keeps pipes clear. 
• Keep trash cans in bathrooms – Having trash cans nearby discourages staff and customers from flushing items that can cause clogs.
• Get your drains professionally cleaned – Regular cleanings remove buildup and prevent clogs, lowering the risk of unexpected repairs. 

Looking for Expert Commercial Plumbers? Contact Fortner Plumbing Today!

Looking for reliable plumbers who never compromise on quality? Our team at Fortner Plumbing has got you covered! Based in Anderson, we proudly serve businesses throughout South Carolina, including Greenville, Pendleton and Mauldin.

We specialize in drain inspections, professional cleanings, testing and more! If you’d like to schedule a consultation, call us today at 864-209-0948. To explore our full range of plumbing solutions, including our FlowSafe program, visit our website by clicking the link here.