Preventing Frozen Pipes in Commercial Buildings: What Facility Managers Need to Know

When winter temperatures plummet, one of the most costly and disruptive problems a commercial property can face is frozen pipes. Beyond the inconvenience, frozen plumbing can lead to burst pipes, water damage, downtime, and expensive repairs. The good news? With the right preparation, you can greatly reduce the risk.

At Dynamic Mechanical Solutions (DMS), we help property owners and facility managers protect their plumbing systems year-round. Here’s what you need to know to prevent frozen pipes in your building.

Why Frozen Pipes Are a Serious Problem

Water expands as it freezes. When that happens inside pipes, the pressure can cause cracks or full pipe bursts. For commercial buildings, the consequences can include:

Flooded offices, warehouses, or retail spaces
Damaged equipment, inventory, or documents
Disrupted business operations
Thousands of dollars in repairs and restoration

Common Areas Where Pipes Freeze

Not all pipes are equally at risk. In commercial buildings, frozen pipes often occur in:

Exterior walls or poorly insulated areas
Mechanical rooms and basements with limited heating
Crawl spaces, attics, or unoccupied wings of a building
Fire sprinkler systems exposed to freezing temperatures

Identifying these vulnerable spots is the first step to prevention.

Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Commercial Buildings

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Use pipe insulation or heat tape on vulnerable plumbing lines, especially those along exterior walls or unheated spaces. This small investment can prevent big repair costs.

2. Maintain Adequate Heating

Even in unused areas of the building, keep the temperature above 55°F. Closing off heating to save money can backfire if it leads to frozen pipes.

3. Seal Cracks and Drafts

Cold air seeping in through doors, windows, and wall penetrations can quickly freeze nearby plumbing. Seal gaps with caulk or insulation to keep warm air inside.

4. Drain and Disconnect Exterior Water Lines

Before freezing temperatures hit, disconnect hoses, drain irrigation lines, and shut off outdoor water spigots.

5. Monitor Fire Sprinkler Systems

Sprinkler pipes are often located in unheated areas and can be overlooked. Regular inspections and antifreeze solutions help keep them operational during winter. You can see a list of DMS’s fire protection services here.

6. Schedule Preventative Maintenance

A plumbing professional can check vulnerable areas, insulate exposed lines, and ensure your system is winter-ready. Preventative maintenance is always less expensive than emergency repairs. Check out our preventative maintenance and service contracts here.

What to Do If a Pipe Freezes

If you suspect a pipe is frozen:

Turn off the water supply to prevent flooding.
Call a licensed plumber immediately.
Avoid using open flames to thaw pipes, as this can create fire hazards.

Protect Your Building This Winter with DMS

Frozen pipes don’t just cause headaches—they disrupt business and drive up costs. By taking preventative measures now, you can safeguard your property, employees, and bottom line.

At Dynamic Mechanical Solutions, we provide plumbing maintenance, inspections, and emergency services for commercial buildings of all sizes.