How businesses can prevent water damage from frozen pipes.

During the winter months, water damage is one of the most common business insurance claims. But it doesn’t have to be. Keep reading to learn how to prevent water damage from frozen pipes, along with the costly repairs that come with it.

How to prevent water damage from frozen pipes.

Water damage can have serious financial consequences and can inconveniently disrupt daily operations. If you’re ready to take proactive steps to prevent frozen pipes, we recommend the following water damage prevention tips:

• Drain non-essential water lines for the winter. Falling temperatures can cause a pipe to freeze … then burst. So if there is a part of your building that does not need water in the winter, turn off the water supply and drain the pipes.
• Insulate exposed pipes. For pipes you use year-round, consider wrapping insulation around them. Bonus: For long-term frozen pipe prevention, insulate any drafty areas where water lines are located, such as closets, crawl spaces, attics, etc.
• Seal windows and doors. Next step, make sure that cold air cannot leak into your building. Examine the exterior walls of your building and add caulk around any gaps and in any cracks.
• Maintain a minimum temperature. Your pipes are more likely to freeze when the temperature drops below 40 degrees. With that, we suggest setting your thermostat to a constant temperature, even on nights and weekends. To take it a step further, consider a monitoring system that notifies you if the temperature ever drops below the temperature you set on your thermostat.
• Invest in a backup generator. If the power goes out, so does your heat. That̵
  7;s why experts recommend a backup power source to a) help keep your building warm and b) help prevent frozen pipes.
• Have your sprinkler system inspected. All sprinkler systems rely on the idea that water will flow freely when needed. So when a pipe is frozen, there is a problem. To ensure that your system will function as it should, you should check it routinely.
• Train your employees. Show your team how to turn off the water in an emergency.

Don’t stop there. Now that you know how to prevent water damage at work, learn how to prevent frozen pipes at home. And to make sure your business is as protected as possible, start a conversation with a local, independent agent.