Don't Let The Big Chill Bite Your Business
As temperatures plummet for the winter it is important that you ensure your businesses pipe work is protected. In cold weather water pipes can freeze which can lead to bursts when pipes thaw.
By following this simple check list below you could save your business thousands of pounds on costly repair bills :-
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Insulate - check all pipework, cisterns and tanks in unheated areas like lofts, roofs, under floor spaces and outbuildings are well insulated. Make sure that all insulation used meets the requirements of British Standard 6700 and Water Supply Regulations
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Crank up the heat - Consider keeping your heating on low over the Christmas period
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Drain pipes - even if you insulate your pipes you can't always prevent them from freezing if the weather gets too cold, so its advisable during frosty periods to drain down exposed pipework that won't be used for prolonged periods
Dealing with frozen pipes
Don't panic - just follow these steps to minimise damage and get everything back to normal. These principles apply whether it's your business or your home.
Freeze!
Damage to pipes occurs when they become frozen, but you're only going to notice when the water in the pipe thaws. So, if a pipe is frozen isolate the affected area by closing your stoptap.
Start running!
When your pipes begin to thaw, run your taps into sink basins and baths to drain the plumbing system. This should reduce damage caused by water escaping from a burst pipe.
Warning
After freezing has occurred in pipes there's a risk of a burst if heat is applied suddenly. Don't switch on water heating appliances including boilers and immersion heaters until you're sure the system has thawed out. Reheat the building using gas, solid fuel or electric heaters that are unconnected with the plumbing or central heating system. Don't try to thaw pipes using a naked flame. A hairdryer can be used to direct heat onto frozen pipes, but take care the pipe may burst as it thaws and spray water. Thaw the pipe at the end nearest the tap first.
Resuming normal service
Once the plumbing has thawed and there's no leaks, stop running the taps and slowly open the stoptap. Check the plumbing system for leaks once it's under pressure and, only when you're satisfied all systems are thawed, switch on water heating appliances. If you notice a leak, isolate the affected pipe by closing the stoptap, then call us on 0845 6 789 789.
