Frozen Pipes Could Cost Your Business—Here’s How to Help Prevent Issues

Burst pipes are the leading cause of property damage resulting from winter weather.*

When the temperature goes down, the risk of burst pipes goes up.

As water freezes, it slowly expands, building up internal pressure that can cause pipes to burst.

Water from burst pipes can damage property, inventory, equipment, office furniture and more…

…and can also lead to business disruption and lost income.

Before it gets cold

  1. Drain pipes that are likely to freeze, and turn off sprinkler and irrigation systems.

  2. Seal gaps and holes that allow outside air into spaces where pipes and supply lines run.

  3. Insulate between pipes and outer walls.

  4. Protect pipes with heat tape, then wrap with fiberglass or polyethylene pipe insulation.

When the temps dip

  1. Set the thermostat to at least 55°.

  2. Check hidden spaces like cabinets, drawers & crawl spaces. If they’re cold, so are the pipes. Leave those doors and drawers open to circulate air. 

  3. Install low-temperature alarms to alert you when the air approaches the freezing point.

  4. Allow faucets to drip cold water to help prevent it from freezing.

If the pipes freeze

  • Cautiously apply heat with a hair dryer or hot-water bottle. Never use an open flame or space heater

  • Call a plumber when in doubt or you can’t thaw the pipes

Make sure your pipes (and everything else) are covered

Even with the best precautions in place, there’s still a chance that pipes could freeze and burst causing serious damage. Protect your business with commercial property insurance from Erie Insurance. Contact your local Erie Insurance agent to learn more. Visit us at erieinsurance.com

*2020 Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) Commercial Series

ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York).  The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.

The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of October 2024 and may be changed at any time. 

Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions. Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.

Originally published by Erie Insurance