How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Commercial Buildings This Winter

When temperatures drop in the Midwest, commercial buildings in Kansas City, Overland Park, and surrounding regions face a major seasonal risk: frozen pipes leading to catastrophic water damage. A single burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water per hour, flooding offices, retail spaces, warehouses, and multi-family properties before anyone even realizes what happened.

Frozen pipe emergencies spike dramatically every winter according to national data from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) and commercial properties, with their long plumbing runs and unconditioned spaces, are especially vulnerable.

Below is a practical, facility-focused guide to preventing frozen pipes before temperatures hit dangerous levels.

Why Commercial Pipes Freeze Faster Than Residential Systems

Commercial buildings often face unique challenges:

• Large unheated or under-heated areas (mechanical rooms, attics, exterior walls)
• Higher ceilings and larger open spaces that drop in temperature quickly
• Longer plumbing runs that allow cold air penetration
• Vacancy periods during holidays when temperatures aren’t monitored closely

According to guidance from FEMA, pipes begin freezing when temperatures fall to 20°F (-6°C) or lower.

High-Risk Areas in Commercial Buildings

NCRI regularly sees freeze-related losses in:

• Sprinkler system lines near exterior walls
• Basements and crawl spaces
• Warehouses and distribution centers with limited heating
• Vacant tenant suites
• Plumbing inside exterior walls
• Mechanical rooms and boiler areas
• Parking garage or dock-area plumbing

These zones should always be monitored during temperature drops.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes: A Facility Manager’s Checklist

1. Maintain Indoor Temperatures Above 55°F

This is the minimum recommended commercial indoor temperature per the U.S. Department of Energy.
Keep temperatures consistent, even in unused tenant spaces.

2. Insulate Exposed and Vulnerable Piping

Use high-quality insulation around:

• Exterior wall plumbing
• Attic and roof-level lines
• Fire sprinkler trunk lines
• Mechanical/storage rooms
  Closed-cell foam insulation works best for industrial facilities.

3. Seal Building Envelope Gaps

Cold air infiltration is a leading cause of frozen pipes. Inspect and seal:

• Dock doors
• HVAC chases
• Window frames
• Open penetrations around utilities
  Even small gaps can cause major temperature drops in concealed pipe areas.

4. Install Temperature & Moisture Sensors

Smart sensors provide early warnings before pipes freeze. This is crucial for:

• Server rooms
• Storage areas
• Long plumbing runs in commercial buildings

5. Let Faucets Drip in High-Risk Zones

A minimal flow of water prevents freezing in:

• Vacant suites
• Exterior wall restrooms
• Low-use sinks and fixtures

6. Keep Mechanical & Utility Doors Closed

Keep heat contained by closing:

• Mechanical room doors
• Electrical room doors
• Storage rooms
• Garage bay doors
  This helps maintain warmer temperatures around critical plumbing lines.

7. Inspect and Test Sprinkler System Flow Alarms

Frozen sprinkler pipes are some of the most expensive winter losses.
Ensure:

• Heating units in sprinkler rooms are working
• Dry systems are drained properly
• Supervisory alarms are active and reporting

What to Do if a Pipe Freezes

If you suspect a frozen pipe:

1. Shut off the main water supply immediately.
2. Open nearby faucets to relieve pressure.
3. Increase heat in the affected area.
4. Never use open flames to thaw pipes.
5. Contact a professional restoration team immediately.

Even if a pipe hasn’t burst, freeze pressure can cause micro-cracks that fail once temperatures rise.

Why Businesses Choose NCRI for Winter Water Damage Response

NCRI specializes in commercial and large-loss restoration, with capabilities built for complex, multi-tenant, and industrial environments:

• 24/7 nationwide emergency response
• High-volume water extraction equipment
• Thermal imaging for hidden leak detection
• Industrial structural drying systems
• Insurance coordination to speed claim approvals

When a winter pipe burst occurs, NCRI restores facilities back to operation quickly, safely, and with minimal business interruption.

Final Thoughts

Frozen pipes are one of the most common and most preventable winter disasters affecting commercial properties. With proactive planning and early prevention, businesses can avoid major disruption, inventory loss, and costly structural damage.

If your building experiences a pipe freeze, water leak, or burst line this winter, NCRI’s emergency response team is ready 24/7 to help you recover fast.

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