Winter poses significant challenges for commercial properties, particularly concerning plumbing systems. Unprepared pipes can freeze, leading to substantial operational disruptions and costly damage. The consequences of frozen pipes can be severe, potentially resulting in business interruptions, extensive property damage, and costly repairs that can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the extent of the damage.

In January 2024, an unprecedented cold front struck Nashville, severely impacting the commercial and industrial plumbing infrastructure across middle Tennessee. The sudden drop in temperatures resulted in numerous burst pipes and structural emergencies, causing significant disruption for businesses. This unexpected weather event not only led to costly repairs but also resulted in substantial downtime, hindering productivity and operations in various commercial buildings.

Understanding why pipes freeze and implementing preventative measures is crucial for commercial property managers to maintain business continuity going into the upcoming winter season.

WHAT EVERY PROPERTY MANAGER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THEIR COMMERCIAL PLUMBING SYSTEM THIS WINTER

UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSES OF FROZEN PIPES IN COMMERCIAL SETTINGS

In commercial plumbing, frozen pipes can result from a variety of technical factors:

• Temperature Extremes: Rapid drops in temperature, particularly in large facilities with extensive piping systems, can lead to pressure imbalances that result in freezing. A rapid temperature drop is defined as a 20-degree change occurring within a few hours. In wintertime, large warehouses and industrial spaces can cool much more quickly than you might anticipate.
• Insufficient Pipe Insulation: Inadequate insulation around exposed pipes, especially those in unconditioned spaces (like basements, maintenance rooms, or ceiling cavities), increases vulnerability.
• Thermostat Management: Maintaining consistent temperatures throughout the building is vital, especially infrequently used areas. Setting the thermostat below 55°F in unoccupied areas can cause significant freezing risks, particularly in buildings with complex layouts.
• Aging Infrastructure: Older plumbing systems with corroded pipes or existing microfractures are at a higher risk of freezing. Regular maintenance assessments and updates to the plumbing infrastructure from a licensed commercial plumber can mitigate these risks.

IDENTIFYING FROZEN PIPES AS A PROPERTY MANAGER

Recognizing frozen pipes quickly can prevent extensive damage:

• Flow Measurement: Monitor water flow rates. A sudden drop in flow pressure, particularly during freezing temperatures, can indicate a blockage. Don’t forget to check all restrooms and kitchen areas at your facility.
• Visual Inspection: Regularly check exposed pipes for frost buildup, which is a clear indicator of freezing conditions.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROTOCOLS FOR FROZEN OR BURST PIPES

In the event of frozen pipes in your industrial or commercial building, prompt action is crucial:

1. Open Faucets: Immediately open the faucet connected to the frozen pipe to relieve pressure and allow water to flow when it begins to thaw.
2. Controlled Thawing: Utilize electric heat tape or a controlled heating device to gradually thaw frozen pipes. Avoid open flames or excessive heat that could cause further damage.
3. Emergency Shut-Off: Make sure you know where your building’s water supply emergency shut off is. If a pipe bursts, immediately shut off the main water supply and power to the affected areas to minimize damage. Note, sometimes there is a shut off by floor, allowing you to keep some areas of the building operational while dealing with a localized problem.
4. Engage Emergency Services: Contact Interstate AC for immediate repair services from a licensed commercial plumbing contractor and to assess any potential damage to the system.

WHEN TO CALL THE EXPERTS

When something goes wrong in your building, you want the very best on the job. Commercial plumbing systems often involve larger and more complex systems than your average residential home. A typical commercial plumbing system must accommodate higher water usage, multiple fixtures, and extensive piping networks, and proper maintenance on those systems requires a specialized technician.

HOW CERTIFIED COMMERCIAL PLUMBERS IDENTIFY FROZEN PIPES

Performing routine winter maintenance can help prevent significant costs and office disruptions for our customers:

• Flow Measurement: Commercial plumbers monitor flow rate through flow meters, pressure gauges, and other technical equipment.
• Acoustic Detection: Our plumbers can utilize acoustic monitoring equipment to identify gurgling or unusual sounds within the plumbing system, which can signal ice blockages.
• Thermal Imaging: We can employ thermal imaging cameras to detect temperature discrepancies along piping. This technology can identify areas of potential freezing before they lead to significant issues.
• Visual Inspection: Sometimes the best way to tell if a pipe is frozen, is a simple visual inspection!

Before winter hits, schedule routine assessments with Interstate AC’s commercial plumbing experts to identify vulnerabilities in your system and address them proactively. Interstate AC’s plumbing maintenance customers receive a technical maintenance inspection that is equipped to prepare even the most complex systems for Nashville’s unpredictable winters.

ADVANCED PREVENTION STRATEGIES FOR COMMERCIAL PLUMBING

Implementing a comprehensive prevention strategy is essential for safeguarding your plumbing systems:

1. Enhanced Insulation Techniques: High-performance insulation materials, such as closed-cell foam, fiberglass wrap, or commercial heat tape, can improve thermal resistance around vulnerable pipes.
2. Pipe Routing Considerations: We evaluate the layout of a plumbing system to ensure that pipes are routed away from external walls and other cold zones whenever possible to minimize exposure to freezing temperatures.
3. Building Envelope Integrity: Our plumbers conduct a thorough inspection of the building envelope. Seal cracks and gaps using high-quality caulk or weatherstripping to prevent cold air infiltration that can affect pipe temperatures.
4. Automated Temperature Monitoring: Implement a building automation system (BAS) that includes temperature sensors throughout the facility. This allows for real-time monitoring and alerts if temperatures drop to critical levels.
5. Draining Inactive Systems: For irrigation systems or unused plumbing lines, we ensure they are drained and properly shut off during winter months to prevent standing water from freezing in the winter.
6. Pressure Relief Protocols: Install pressure relief valves on vulnerable lines to mitigate the risk of bursting due to ice blockages.

ENGAGE THE EXPERTS FOR WINTER PLUMBING PREPAREDNESS IN NASHVILLE

For comprehensive winterization strategies and emergency plumbing services, our team at Interstate AC specializes in commercial plumbing solutions designed to keep your operations running smoothly. Proudly serving the Nashville area, we understand the unique demands of local businesses and are equipped to provide tailored solutions that ensure your plumbing system withstands the winter chill.

Contact us at 615-802-2665 today to schedule a consultation or learn more about how we can help protect your business from winter-related plumbing issues.

Every business space requires hot domestic water year-round – especially in Nashville, where winter lows dip to the low 30s. However, installing any domestic water heater isn’t enough as different unit types satisfy unique needs.

Below, our team at Interstate AC Service explains both tank and tankless water heaters, and which best satisfies YOUR company’s needs.

What Is the Difference Between Tank and Tankless Heaters?

Traditional tank heaters have insulated tanks that store and heat between 30 and 50 gallons of water. While the electric version is less expensive to install, gas uses 50% less energy.

Both contain a pipe at the top of the tank that sends domestic water to all water appliances, from sinks and showers to dishwashers and washing machines.

Unlike traditional units, tankless water heaters do not heat water 24/7 to ensure it’s always available. Instead, they heat on demand since they don’t have a tank for storing hot water. This means the high-powered burners send heat to the water in the heat exchanger in real time for your fixtures.

Which Domestic Water Heater Is Best for Your Business?

Not all businesses use the same amount of water. While an office building or diner only uses hot domestic water for sinks and kitchens, laundromats and hotels use more to run dozens of washers, showers, and other appliances.

Determine how much water you need daily to decide between tank vs. tankless water heaters.

Heating Capacity

According to the Department of Energy, tankless or continuous-flow heaters only heat two to five gallons of water per minute. That means when running multiple appliances simultaneously, you may run out of hot water – even with a high tankless water recovery rate.

If your business has a high hot domestic water demand, consider a tank heater with a storage capacity of between 400 and 500 gallons.

Energy Efficiency

While on-demand heating may not provide as much water, its lack of storage makes it more energy efficient.

Tank heaters have a heating element at the tank’s base that constantly heats, so when the surrounding water heats, that water floats to the top and the cooler water sinks lower for heating (even when not in use). Tankless heaters only heat when you turn on the water, so they conserve energy.

Cost-Effectiveness

When considering a tankless water heater, remember that because they heat more efficiently, they’re more cost effective in the long run. They also last 20 to 30 years, twice as long as their tank counterparts, so you’ll need fewer replacements, making them more economical.

Tank water heaters are simpler by design, meaning they have a cheaper upfront cost with a lower purchase and installation fee. You also pay less for maintenance and repairs, which is ideal for business owners on a budget.

The Only Stop on the Interstate for Quality Heating!

Whether you need to decide between a tank versus tankless water heaters, or want to schedule services, contact Interstate AC Service in Nashville, TN. Our five-star team will offer prompt and courteous five-star assistance today!

Call us at (615) 802-COOL to learn more.