Preparing Commercial Plumbing for Winter in Northern Ohio

To prepare commercial plumbing for a Northern Ohio winter, insulate exposed pipes, shut off and drain exterior lines, repair leaks, keep drains clear, and make sure everyone knows where the main water shutoff is. A frozen or burst pipe can shut a business down, so prevention is worth the effort.

Key Takeaways

• Pipes in exterior walls and unheated rooms are most at risk.
• Exterior hose bibs and lines should be drained before freezing weather.
• Staff should know how to shut off water in an emergency.

Winter Plumbing Checklist

• Insulate exposed piping in back rooms, storage areas, and crawl spaces.
• Drain and shut off exterior faucets.
• Keep building heat at a safe level, even when closed.
• Repair dripping faucets and running toilets.
• Clear slow drains and grease-prone lines.
• Label and test the main shutoff valve.

Restaurants: Grease and Drains

Holiday volume increases grease load. Keep up with drain maintenance so backups don't hit during your busiest weeks.

If a Pipe Freezes

Shut off water to the area if a burst is possible and call a professional. Avoid open flames for thawing.

Our commercial plumbing team handles winter prep and emergency repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should a closed building be kept at?

Keep heat high enough that interior spaces stay well above freezing; many facilities use the mid-50s°F as a minimum.

Do you handle emergency plumbing?

Contact us and we'll respond as quickly as our schedule allows.

Next Step

Get your plumbing ready before the freeze. Request a Commercial Quote or schedule a site walk with our team.