Signs That Freezing Weather Can Cause Commercial Water Damage
Frozen Water Damage Risks Catastrophic Loss
When temperatures drop, your commercial building serves as a vital shield, protecting employees, customers, equipment, and inventory from harsh winter conditions. However, even the sturdiest structures can be vulnerable during extreme cold snaps, particularly in areas without proper climate control. Pipes, drains, and other water-carrying systems in these unheated spaces are especially susceptible to freezing, which can lead to cracks, bursts, and significant water damage. Understanding the warning signs of freezing damage can help you take action quickly and prevent costly repairs.
Sub-Freezing Temperature Damage Basics
- Why Freezing Temps Cause Water Damage
The reason for water damage in the aftermath of below-freezing temperatures is simple yet devastating. When fluids and moisture encounter temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for a sustained amount of time, they freeze. Water expands when it freezes, exerting pressure on the metal or PVC pipes that carry it, stretching and eventually causing cracking or outright rupturing. This happens out of sight in building cavities, under floors, on upper levels, and sometimes as the pipe runs outdoors between buildings in your commercial campus. Water seeps, drips, and bursts out of the pipes' confines, spreading and wreaking havoc, saturating building materials everywhere on the property.
- Signs of Impending Frozen Pipe Damage
Initially, the signals that freezing temperatures threaten your commercial building can be subtle. If you can catch the problem in the early stages, you can avert much of the devastation; educating yourself and your staff to recognize the following signs is essential to mitigating the effects of frozen plumbing and heating:
- An uptick in your water use/bill without other reasons for increased water demand can indicate a leak related to frozen pipes.
- Water that is slow to flow when opening faucets (pressure is now too low as it escapes between the supply valve and the spigot) signals a crisis.
- Unusual sounds coming from water or heating pipes—banging, gurgling, hissing—let you know the pressure inside the pipes has changed.
- Visible pipes appear to bulge or are coated in frost—both of these signs should raise alarms and require immediate action.
- Unpleasant odors rise from a drain, indicating that the waste pipe might have frozen on its way out to the sewer.
- Increased humidity levels or damp walls or floors, including increased squeaking or bounciness on a floor, are signs that water is escaping pipes and soaking building materials.
Next Steps
Contact your commercial plumbing contractor immediately if you notice any of the signs listed above or experience the unfortunate reality of flooding caused by a ruptured pipe. When a pipe fractures due to freezing, swift repairs and replacements are essential to safeguard your property. You will also want to immediately call AdvantaClean for vital water cleanup and drying services to mitigate damage and preserve your business operations.
After addressing the immediate emergency, take steps to prevent future incidents by:
- Insulating and heating unconditioned spaces where pipes are located.
- Adding insulation directly to exposed pipes.
- Considering rerouting pipes that are outdoors or run along unprotected exterior walls.
Extreme weather conditions can put your commercial building at risk in unexpected ways, such as the significant damage caused by frozen pipes. By recognizing the warning signs early and partnering with AdvantaClean for water damage restoration and prevention, you can protect your property and minimize disruptions during the winter season.