Keep Pumps and Pipes Safe This Winter
Don’t let the brutal cold this winter wreak havoc on your pumps and pipes! Protect your equipment when the temperatures fall below freezing this year. To keep the water flowing, check out our top six tips for conducting winter maintenance for pump systems.
Winter Maintenance for Pump Systems
Before you get started, follow all company policies, manufacturer’s recommendations, and other safe practices (i.e. lockout/tagout, etc.), and wear proper PPE.
1. Drain lines and casings
Drain residual water as much as possible — especially from pump casings that have been shut down or are in unheated storage areas. When possible, open check valves to drain (back to the source) water lines that are buried more shallowly than the usual frost line depth.
2. Check the antifreeze in pumps
Check radiator antifreeze in engine-driven pumps.
3. Turn up the heat
Adjust thermostat settings to increase temperatures in booster stations or other pumping stations. Ensure that all heaters are operable and in safe working condition.
4. Insulate
Install heat tape and insulate pipes that are next to exterior walls or in areas exposed to wind.
5. Monitor ponds
Remember that “float ball” level switches may become inoperable if ponds or sumps freeze over.
6. Call us!
Remember, we offer 24/7 support if anything goes wrong. Give us a call at 1-800-480-7867 if you have questions or need assistance.
Get more seasonal pump maintenance solutions! Download our free step-by-step checklist here!
Service Pump and Supply Preventative Maintenance Program
We know your team is busy. If you’d like an extra hand managing your maintenance schedule, Service Pump and Supply’s Preventative Maintenance Program may be a good fit for your organization. As part of our program, we’ll work with your team to identify a maintenance plan that makes sense for your company’s unique needs. Then our highly trained service technicians will make sure the work gets done.