Avoid Frozen Pipes as Temperatures Plummet

February 5, 2021

Much of the U.S. is about to experience some of the winter's coldest temperatures yet. Much colder air is expected to arrive throughout areas of Texas next week. As temperatures plummet, the risk of freezing pipes soars. Frozen pipes can cause costly messes that could also put your ministry on hold while you clean up.

Now is the time to put a plan in place that can help ease the impact of another winter, regardless of how cold it might be.

Here are seven things you can do to keep water where it belongs this winter.

  1. Shut out cold air: Insulate your pipes with foam or rubber sleeves to keep them from freezing.
  2. Watch the thermostat: Maintain a building temperature of at least 55 degrees.
  3. Use the drip tip: Let your faucets drip to keep water moving.
  4. Protect your investments: Take the proper steps to safeguard the sprinkler system that protects your building during a fire. Call your installer to winterize the system.
  5. Stop by for a visit: If your church sits empty for days at a time, stop by periodically to check the building temperature and the status of the water pipes.
  6. Don’t neglect what’s empty: Winterize buildings that stand vacant during winter months. Drain pipes and appliances; shut off the water supply; and apply nontoxic antifreeze, when appropriate.
  7. Stay alert: Install water alarms to alert you when water goes where it doesn’t belong. Some alarms are equipped to call, text, or email you when there’s a problem.

Help eliminate unwanted surprises this winter by keeping your buildings warm and insulated. Spend time where you’re needed most rather than cleaning up the mess from frozen water pipes.