Here’s How to Prevent Frozen Pipes—One of Winter’s Biggest Threats to Your Store

Let’s talk about one of the biggest threats to your jewelry business during winter months—your pipes. Not only can they freeze, but they can also burst, causing costly water damage to your property and your inventory.

An easy way to mitigate this risk is to install sensors that monitor your property 24/7 and alert you by text or email of any water intrusion or extreme temperature changes. (Watch this short video to learn more about the benefits of having a sensor in your business.)
Because of this risk, it’s important to insulate any exposed pipes with an insulating sleeve to help prevent cold air from affecting pipes directly, regardless if they are hot or cold lines. Proper insulation throughout your building can also save a considerable amount on your utility bill.

Worried about frozen pipes? Keep cool (but not icy), and note these expert tips for preventing and thawing frozen pipes:

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

• Keep outside access doors closed if there are supply or sprinkler lines in these areas to help keep heat indoors.
• Disconnect exterior hoses and drain exterior faucets (where possible).
• Open cabinet doors where water fixtures are located to allow the warmer air to circulate in these spaces.
• Turn on the cold-water drip from the faucets (a steady stream the width of a pencil) to help combat water freezing within the supply lines. Freezing water within supply lines expands as ice is formed and is a precursor to broken/ruptured pipes.
• Keep the thermostat set to a consistent temperature during the day and night. You may incur higher heating bills, but this can prevent a more costly and inconvenient water loss and a cease in operations.
• Set a thermostat to a temperature of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 Celsius).
• Turn off the water from the supply line that allows water to come into your building (where applicable). Continue to open/turn on faucets allowing them to run until the pipes are empty.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

• If you turn on your faucets and no water, or only a trickle of water is dispensed, suspect a possible frozen pipe.
• Pipes often freeze when against exterior walls or where water enters your premises through a foundation or exterior location (outdoor faucets for example).
• Keep the faucet open and in the “on” position. As water within the pipes begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water helps to speed up the melting of ice within the pipes.
• If possible, apply heat to a section of suspected frozen pipe with a hairdryer, portable space heater or even wrap pipes with towels that have been immersed in hot water to allow a gradual thaw. Do not use torches, gas-powered heaters, fuel-powered heat sources or open flames.
• Apply gradual heat until full water pressure is restored.

Finally, if you are unable to locate the frozen area or it’s not accessible and cannot thaw, call a licensed plumber to properly control or prevent a possible loss. Looking to take these tips with you? Print out these guidelines here. —Jessica Thomaschefsky

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