24/7 Emergency Service
Commercial Water Loss
10/2/2023 (Permalink)
One of the most common culprits of damage in commercial building is water. Something that seems simple, like a leaky toilet, can actually leave behind an enormous amount of damage.
Owning or running a commercial building comes with a lot of responsibilities, and catching every drip in your building can feel entirely too tricky. Learn the most leak-prone areas of your building so you can stay proactive about preventing a disaster.
There is never a good time for an unplanned business interruption. Being forced to shut your doors to deal with water damage not only costs you lost income from lack of business, but it can also lead to thousands of dollars in necessary repairs.
Get into the habit of checking a few areas of your building often in order to stop small leaks before they become big:
1. The roof. Roof leaks can be particularly damaging as they can lead to water problems on every level of your building. Roofs can leak when they are damaged in a storm or from age. Clean your gutters regularly, and check your roof for weak spots quarterly. Inspect your attic and roof after any major wind or ice events as well.
2. Bathrooms. Bathroom leaks account for 15% of all water loss in commercial buildings. Toilets and sinks can leak from a hole as small as the top of a pin, and can be hard to detect. Assign multiple staff members on your team to check pipes throughout your building at least once a month to correct problems early.
3. Water heaters/HVAC/boilers. Appliances that have a water line or create condensation have the potential to leak. Backed-up drains or loose pipe connections can lead to puddles near your HVAC unit or changes in your building’s water pressure. Keep an eye out for these issues and address them quickly to stop damages before they become extreme.
While you can’t stop a natural disaster, most water damage can be prevented or controlled when you know how to respond during an event. Prepare yourself, your building and your team so you can mitigate damages and cut your overall losses.
Begin preparing by creating a building maintenance plan that includes checking your plumbing monthly. Consider working with SERVPRO as you prepare your plan to build an Emergency Ready Plan that will lay out step by step exactly how to respond in the event of an emergency.
Make sure any planning you do includes taking a look at all the fixtures in your building, as well as checking window and door seals. Locate your water shut-off valves, and assign staff members to turn the water off at the source during a disaster.
A fast response will always be the best way to control the amount of damage water does, so do as much as you can to handle the immediate situation and then call us at 231-723-4872. We are ready around the clock to take your call and start your restoration project. We want to get your building back up and running fast so you can keep work going.