If you want to keep your business safe, you need to pay attention to your plumbing this winter. Here are a few things you need to take care of in order to keep your businesses plumbing running smoothly this winter.

#1 Turn Off Outside Water Sources

The first thing you need to do is turn off your outside water sources. Disconnect all hoses that your business uses. You should also drain water out of any outdoor pipes that you have as well. Water can easily sit in your outdoor pipes and hoses and can freeze and expand during the winter months. This can cause extensive damage to your outdoor plumbing systems.

You should also put exterior insulated faucet jacks on your outdoor water faucets. This will help keep your faucets warm and protected throughout the winter months. 

#2 Insulate Your Pipes

The second thing you need to do is insulate your pipes. That is the best way to prevent them from becoming frozen during the winter months. Insulating your pipes is a relatively easy process. You just need to purchase the right size pipe insulation and slip it over the pipes. 

The most difficult part will be accessing all of your pipes. If your pipes are located in your crawl space or basement, you will need to crawl down there in order to insulate your pipes. If you are not able to do that yourself, you can hire a plumber to insulate your pipes for you.

#3 Keep Your Pipes Warm

In addition to insulating your pipes, you also need to keep your pipes warm. Even when your business is not open, make sure that you keep your heat on. Keeping the rooms and areas where your pipes are located warm will help prevent your pipes from freezing during the night, when the temperatures tend to drop.

Be sure to open up the cabinet doors where your pipes are located in order to allow the air to flow around them. If you have pipes in your basement, be sure to turn up the heat there as well. 

#4 Don't Forget The Drip Trick

Finally, don't forget the drip trick. If you know that an especially cold night is ahead, allow some water to drip from all your faucets when you leave your business at night or for the weekend. Although this will waste some water, a continuous flow of water through your pipes will help them from freezing and bursting when you are away from your business.

You can keep your businesses pipes safe this winter, and avoid winter plumbing issues, by following the four steps above. 

For plumbing supplies, contact a business such as Barstow Industrial Supply.