TO: Parishes and Schools in the Diocese of Worcester
FR: Catholic Mutual Group (CMG) Risk Management
As most of the country is experiencing extreme cold, especially locations that normally do not see this type of weather, CMG Risk Management wanted to provide you with a few tips to help prevent freeze damage as well as steps to take should you incur frozen or burst pipes.
- It is important to maintain adequate building temperature during extreme cold, especially for vacant buildings or buildings with minimal staff. The recommended heat should be set to 60 degrees during these unusually cold periods.
- Consider installing freeze alarms to thermostats in your vacant and seldom used buildings with water. These alarms are inexpensive and provide added protection in the event your heat fails.
- It is recommended that the premises be inspected a few times during the day to see if there is any damage, frozen or burst pipes, and to take the appropriate measures, especially if the pipes have not been turned off and drained.
- Water or heating pipes that are in concealed spaces or that receive limited heat should be insulated.
- Open closet and cabinet doors on outside walls to increase heat transfer to those areas. Keep light bulbs turned on near the pipes.
- Open faucets (dripping) or plumbing fixtures that are located on outside walls or if the water supply pipes run through or next to an outside wall.
- Know where the water shut-off valve is located in case pipe does burst and the water needs to be turned off.
- If you choose to utilize space heaters, they should be continuously monitored to avoid fires. Be sure to remove all combustibles and storage from within 3 feet of the space heater.
- Check for drafts and areas of heat loss like exterior windows and doors. If needed, the application of various caulk, sealants or other methods can be applied.
- Have a plan in place in the event the boiler or furnace malfunctions.
Know the signs of frozen pipes:
- Frost on the surface
- Unusual odors coming from a drain
- No water
Should you determine that you have frozen pipes, it is very important to properly thaw them as incorrect methods could result in the pipe bursting and flooding the space. Do not attempt to thaw pipes with blow torches or other flame generating devices as many fires have occurred due to improper use.
- First and foremost, the water supply should be shut off.
- Immediately contact your plumber or mechanical contractor as it may be necessary for a qualified technician to properly thaw frozen water pipes.
- Contact your CMG Risk Management Representative
Please see the attached CARES documents that are available to further assist you. There are a number of additional suggestions you may wish to implement to help prevent frozen pipes during this period of extreme cold and future winters. Feel free to contact Rich Breagy at the Diocese of Worcester (508-929-4390; rbreagy@worcesterdiocese.org) if you have additional questions.
