Winter Weather Precautions - Commercial Policies

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Every winter millions of pounds of damage are experienced by businesses and households from burst pipes, roof snow collapses and water ingress.  The true cost of damage in the work place is not always immediately obvious.  The initial consequence of a burst pipe will be damage to stock, electrical equipment and machinery; and direct costs will be incurred for plumbing repairs, clean up and salvage activities.  But beyond that, you may also suffer a loss of client confidence through late deliveries and you may even permanently lose clients to competitiors.  However, when temperatures start to fall, by taking some basic precautions and planning ahead, many incidents can be prevented or the effects of damage minimised:-

 

Commercial Policies

 

  • Ensure that all stock is clear of the floor by at least 100mm and not touching the roof or side walls of the building
  • Protect pipes and tanks with good quality lagging to BS6700
  • Repair dripping taps and faulty ball valves as they can cause waste pipes to freeze
  • If you have outside taps, isolate and drain them if they are not going to be used
  • For unoccupied buildings or those with a history or freezing incidents, leave the heating set at a low level, or drain all equipment that is susceptible to condensation or freezing
  • If you are not operating over weekends or are having an extended Christmas break, it may be worth leaving the temperature on low and constant
  • Install a frost stat to central heating and check it is working correctly
  • Arrange for premises to be inspected at least daily in periods of very cold weather (especially unoccupied premises). 
  • Overhanging icicles may indicate that guttering is not draining thawing snow adequately
  • Service heating systems at least annually
  • Ensure all boilers are safeguarded against freeze - particularly drain and condensate lines.
  • Drain down all idle boilers.
  • Ensure that you know the layout and routes of all water, gas and electricity services within the premises and that this information is recorded and available
  • Know the location of all main and subsidiary stop-taps and ensure they are fully operational.
  • Research the details or reliable local plumbing contractors and keep their contact details available.
  • Review the fabric of your building and consider where roofing may be vulnerable to heavy accumulations of snow.  Make sure that gutters and drainage systems are inspected and cleared of any obstructions, leaves or other debris.

 

  1. Minimising Damage

 

  • Isolate water at stop cock.  Turn on cold taps to drain the system as quickly as possible
  • Turn off the central heating
  • Protect or remove any vulnerable contents or equipment that may be damaged
  • Never use naked flames to thaw ice plugged pipes and equipment
  • "Ice dams" can be created on the edges of roofs, especially tiled roofs by the continual thawing and refreezing of melting snow. 
  • Water may "back up" up the roof, getting under the tiles and leaking into the building.  To help prevent this, keep drains open and free of ice in a safe manner.  Engage specialist companies to perform this if necessary
  • Monitor the amount of snow on roofs and clear them before accumulations reach unsafe levels.  Engage specialist companies to perform this if necessary
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  2. Sprinkler Systems

 

  • For all sprinkler systems engage sprinkler contractors to make systems "winter safe"
  • Especially vulnerable are systems protecting outdoor areas or cold areas (attics etc), valve chambers, and pump rooms
  • Heating should be maintained at all times at or above 4 degrees Celcius.  Exposed pipe work should be trace heated and lagged, and this must be routinely inspected and maintained
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