Ask a Plumber: How Atlanta Businesses Can Protect Plumbing Systems for Cold Weather

Every winter in metro Atlanta, commercial plumbers get calls from businesses dealing with plumbing problems they did not see coming. Cold weather may not be as harsh here as it is further north, but sudden temperature drops can still wreak havoc on commercial plumbing systems.

From frozen lines in multi-tenant office buildings to grease-clogged drains in busy restaurants, we have seen firsthand how cold weather exposes weaknesses. The good news is that businesses can take steps to protect their systems before issues turn into emergencies.

Here are practical steps businesses can take to protect their plumbing systems during cold weather.

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipes located in unheated areas like basements, storage rooms, and exterior walls are vulnerable to freezing. Insulating these pipes reduces the risk of bursts that can lead to expensive water damage and service interruptions.

2. Maintain Consistent Temperatures

Keeping indoor temperatures steady, even when spaces are not in use, helps prevent pipes from freezing. For commercial properties with multiple tenants, this is especially important to avoid damage in shared lines.

3. Schedule Preventive Drain Cleaning

Cold weather makes grease, oils, and debris harden faster, which increases the risk of clogged drains in restaurants and food service establishments. Regular Atlanta drain cleaning and hydro jetting services before winter can help keep lines clear and reduce emergency calls.

4. Inspect Floor Drains and Common Areas

Retail, healthcare, and hospitality facilities often see higher foot traffic in colder months, which leads to more debris entering floor drains. A quick inspection and cleaning schedule prevents backups that disrupt business.

5. Service Water Heaters and Boilers

Colder water entering the system means heaters and boilers work harder in the winter. Preventive maintenance such as flushing sediment and inspecting valves ensures consistent hot water supply for tenants, patients, and guests.

6. Check for Small Leaks Before They Worsen

Small leaks often get worse in colder weather due to pipe contraction and expansion. Property managers should address even minor leaks quickly to avoid bigger failures in the middle of winter.

Why Hydro Jetting is Especially Effective in Winter

Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clean pipes thoroughly, removing grease, scale, and buildup that traditional methods leave behind. Scheduling hydro jetting services in Atlanta before cold weather reduces the chance of grease-related clogs, especially in restaurants, healthcare facilities, and older commercial buildings.

A Commercial Plumber on Standby for Winter Weather

Cold weather may be brief in Atlanta, but even short freezes can cause major plumbing problems for businesses. By insulating pipes, maintaining drains, and scheduling preventive maintenance, property managers can reduce risk and avoid costly emergencies.

If cold weather strikes, contact us 24/7 for commercial plumbing service.