Prepared for winter

Contributed by Waterless Co.

As the holiday season and wintry weather approach, some facilities, such as schools, will shut down for a couple of weeks, if not months. This means managers must take steps now to winterize plumbing in these buildings before they close.

Winterizing helps prevent leaks and breaks in the plumbing system. When water freezes inside the pipes, it expands and creates pressure that can damage pipes and plumbing fixtures. Winterizing also prevents sewer odors and gases from escaping into the building.

This happens when the P-trap underneath drains dries out, allowing hydrogen sulfide and methane gas to enter the facility. These gases can cause serious health hazards.

To avoid these problems, Klaus Reichardt, founder and CEO of Waterless Co. Inc, marketers of no-water urinals and other restroom products, suggests the following Seven Proven Pipe Winterizing Steps to do now: 

1. Shut off the water supply. If permitted, this is the main water valve to the facility. If a pipe bursts, it could cause thousands of dollars in damage.

2. Open all faucets and drains. This will allow water to drain out of the pipes.

3. Drain the water heater. Turn off the electrical or gas service to the water heater, and then open the drain valve to drain the water heater.

4. Add antifreeze to toilets. With the main water valve closed, flush toilets and pour antifreeze in the bowls. This prevents standing water from freezing. 

5. Insulate exposed pipes. This will keep water in outdoor or exposed pipes from freezing. Use pipe insulation sleeves, wrapping, or foam pipe insulation.

6. Pour a liquid "ever prime" into drains. This will keep the P-traps from drying out and releasing unpleasant odors and unhealthy gasses. A few ounces per drain is all that is needed.

7. Maintain a heating source in the facility. Setting the thermostat at 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit helps protect pipes from the cold.

“As the days grow colder, the last thing a manager wants to find when returning to a facility is burst or frozen pipes,” adds Reichardt. “These steps will help prevent this.”