There are several effective ways to prevent pipes from freezing. In addition to keeping the interior temperature from dropping below 32 degrees and properly insulating the space, try these tricks:
~ Provide a reliable back-up power source, such as a stand by generator, to ensure continuous power to the building.
~Interior building temperature can be monitored by a central monitoring company to ensure prompt notification if the interior of the building reaches low temperatures after hours, during power outages or idle periods.
~Insulate recessed light fixtures in the ceiling below the open area that is directly under a roof, such as attic space, to prevent the release of heat into the attic.
~Check to see if there is any visible light from recessed light fixtures in the attic. If there is, they are not adequately sealed or insulated. Sometimes, especially in low sloped roof buildings, the space above a suspended ceiling located below the roof may be heated and cooled like the occupied area below.
~Insulate all attic penetrations such as partition walls, vents, plumbing stacks, electric and mechanical chases, and access doors that are not properly sealed.
~Ensure proper seals on all doors and windows. Depending on the building or room size, fan tests can be conducted to ensure room and pressurization tests.
~Seal all wall cracks and penetrations including domestic and fire protection lines, electrical conduit, other utility service line, etc.
~Sprinkler systems should be monitored by a constantly attended central station to provide early detection of a sprinkler pipe rupture due to freezing.
~Insulation and/or heat trace tape with a reliable power source may be installed on various wet sprinkler system piping. This includes main lines coming up from underground passing through a wall as well as sprinkler branch lines.
~UL-approved gas or electric unit heaters can be installed in unheated sprinkler control valve/fire pump rooms. If back up power is provided, the heaters should also be connected to this power source.
~A monitored automatic excess flow switch can be placed on the main incoming domestic water line to provide early detection of a broken pipe or valve when the space is unoccupied.
Copyright 2012 Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety
