Preventing Frozen Pipes: Identifying Risk Areas in Commercial and Industrial Properties

Winter is a challenging season for property and facility managers of commercial and industrial properties, with frozen pipes being one of the most common seasonal issues. When a frozen pipe thaws, it can burst, resulting in water damage, costly repairs and disruption normal business operations. The good news? Many frozen pipe incidents are preventable with proactive risk identification. Learn how you and your teams can pinpoint vulnerable areas in your facility as the temperatures drop.

Key Areas to Watch for Frozen Pipes

• Unheated Spaces
  • Risk Zones: Basements, crawl spaces, attics, and storage rooms that lack proper insulation or heating.
  • Prevention Tip: Add insulation to exposed pipes in these areas and consider portable heating solutions if feasible.
• Exterior Walls
  • Risk Zones: Pipes located along outer walls or in poorly insulated building sections.
  • Prevention Tip: Seal gaps or cracks in walls to block cold air and wrap pipes in heat tape or insulation.
• Loading Docks and Garage Areas
  • Risk Zones: Overhead doors often create drafty environments where pipes may be exposed.
  • Prevention Tip: Use weather stripping and ensure these areas remain above freezing.
• Under-Used Facilities
  • Risk Zones: Vacant units, storage facilities, or rarely accessed parts of the building.
  • Prevention Tip: Maintain minimum heat levels and conduct regular inspections to ensure pipes are safe.
• Roof and Ceiling Spaces
  • Risk Zones: Pipes running through under-insulated ceilings or areas exposed to extreme cold via the roof.
  • Prevention Tip: Inspect insulation and monitor roof integrity to minimize temperature fluctuations.
• Sprinkler Systems
  • Risk Zones: Fire suppression systems in areas with insufficient heating.
  • Prevention Tip: Winterize your sprinkler system according to manufacturer recommendations and local codes.

Early Detection Measures

• Thermal Imaging
  • Use thermal cameras to detect temperature fluctuations in vulnerable areas.
• Smart Sensors
  • Install IoT-enabled devices to monitor pipe temperatures and detect leaks.
• Routine Inspections
  • Conduct a seasonal walkthrough with a focus on piping in high-risk areas.

How a Restoration Provider Can Help

Working with a trusted commercial restoration provider can provide peace of mind during the Winter months. Restoration professionals can assess your property, identify vulnerabilities, and even recommend tailored prevention strategies. And if you end up still dealing with an emergency at your property, they’re equipped to handle repairs and minimize downtime.

Preparing for winter starts with awareness. By identifying and addressing risk areas for frozen pipes, property and facility managers can protect their assets, maintain operations, and save on potential repair costs. Want to learn more about safeguarding your property? Contact Unlimited Restoration, Inc. (URI) today for a winterization consultation: 888.327.9664