A deep freeze can cause the temperature to drop to dangerous levels. Unfortunately, most buildings do not deal well with temperatures below -20 degrees. The extreme freezes can risk damage to your pipes. While your property losing heat is inevitable, you can take some steps to mitigate the issue and protect your tenants and your assets from any upcoming or current deep freeze.
One of the biggest priorities you need to address during a deep freeze is the building’s pipes. The plumbing system is vulnerable during a deep freeze, and a single crack in a pipe can lead to bursting. One way to protect the pipes is by instructing your tenants to let the heat flow throughout their homes. Encourage them to unblock heat vents and open pantry and cabinet doors, particularly in places with nearby plumbing.
Especially as a preventative measure before a deep freeze, you must insure that insulation protects your pipes, particularly the most vulnerable pipes near the basement and attics. If your pipes have had issues with freezing in the past, install extra insulation. When it comes to exposed, easy-to-reach pipes, you can also use heating tape to keep them warm, especially as last-minute fixes in the middle of a freeze.
Another way to protect your property’s pipes from bursting is if you allow the faucet to slightly drip at all times. Most burst pipes result from the pressure between the ice blockage and the frozen faucet. The constant water flow will prevent the pressure from increasing and can even melt some ice blockage.
Make sure that you keep the temperature of your thermostat at the reasonable rate established by your state. While the deep freeze will still impact your property, a high indoor temperature helps keep it balanced and prevents your pipes from bursting. If your tenants control the temperature in their unit, encourage them to keep the heat high even in their absence in order to keep the pipes safe.