Anyone who has ever owned or managed at a restaurant or warehouse that moves a large amount of inventory will tell you that the winter months are some of the busiest of the year.  The worst thing that could happen during that time is an accident that damages your facility and at worst, your inventory.

But that’s just what a burst pipe situation can do!

A major chain dine-in eatery that we worked with had an entrance that was northward facing. However, due to the type of construction, a large area above the entrance to the restaurant was not heated, and was isolated from the main part of the roof.

During their first year of business, wintertime winds pushed the temperature down to around 10 degrees and froze a large section of the piping. This resulted in major water damage during some of the busiest hours of operation. The leaking was so bad that it caused the eatery to shut down for two days while repair companies came to fix the problem.

The whole situation lead to lost revenue and a major insurance claim that the restaurant had to deal with.

It is critical that during winter weather that your system is prepared and maintained. The costs of not doing so can be immeasurable! 

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As a property manager, there are a few important steps that you can take to minimize the risk of bursting pipes:

1. Proper Heating - Piping material is sensitive to fluctuations in temperature, especially in areas where water-filled pipes are present. Correctly maintained pipes should be heated above 40 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that the water inside pipes has no chance of freezing.

2. Insulation - However, sometimes heating a particular section of piping is not an option. If this is the case, it is important to properly insulate these areas from the elements. Areas that are more prone to needing extra insulation are attics, basements, or rooms that are located away from efficient heating.

3. Repair Cracks - Often, a space can be losing a large amount of heat or be improperly insulated because of cracks in the foundation or walls. These rooms can get expensive fast as you have to pump in almost double the amount of heat to provide the same protection as a normal area. Checking for holes, cracks, or any leakage is an easy and effective preventative measure.

By following these few steps, you can reduce your risk by at least 50% or more! But the most effective method to prepare for the winter season is to get in touch with a licensed expert.

Consulting a Contractor

One of the easiest ways that you can prepare for cold weather is to have a licensed contractor inspect your system thoroughly.

These individuals are trained to identify problematic areas of piping similar to the situation recounted above. They can then begin proactive work to either fix the system, or at least install measures that will keep the area safe during the cooler months. These companies are trained to inspect components of riser rooms and to make sure they are up to a quality standard.

They can check that temperatures on all sections of piping are maintained at 40 degrees or above. Most of all, they have a keen eye when inspecting your system and can ensure that no areas are subject to pipes freezing.

By consulting a contractor, you are paying about one-tenth the price of repair, or more if you factor in insurance claims and potential lawsuits. We always tell our clients “don’t just save a dollar, save a life.” As a property manager, you are the one who gets to decide if you want to save a little now, or pay major later.