How Small Businesses Can Prevent Water Damage

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

The plumbing in a commercial structure should be inspected by a licensed plumber

How Small Businesses Can Prevent Water Damage

Water damage is the second most common cause of small business property insurance claims. Taking measures to prevent damage may enable a business owner to avoid the necessity of making a costly business claim. Here are three ways to reduce the likelihood and severity of damage due plumbing problems at a business located in Billings, MT.

Plumbing Inspection
The plumbing in a commercial structure should be inspected by a licensed plumber on a yearly basis. This process should account for every component in this essential system:

• Pipes
• Fixtures
• Backflow testing
• Visible damage

Plumbers may use cameras or check the water pressure to determine the condition of lines. These measures are helpful for determining when plumbing components require replacement to prevent a pipe break. Fixtures should also be checked for leaks. Backflow testing ensures that wastewater is not contaminating clean water. Any indications of mold, puddles, or water stains around pipes or fixtures indicate underlying problems that require repairs.

Sewer Maintenance
A commercial property insurance business claim will not cover sewage damage. Additional coverage in the form of an endorsement is necessary to offset expenses associated with cleaning up contaminated water and solid waste. Regular use of enzymatic drain treatments and clearing clogs in a timely manner can prevent this costly damage.

Preventative Upgrades

A small business owner may want to invest in a backwater prevention valve to stop sewer backups or replace polybutylene pipes prone to premature failure. These upgrades require planned expenditures, but tend to be more cost-effective than emergency plumbing repairs and water damage restoration.

The average business claim amount for damage caused by water or freezing is $17,000. In the event of unavoidable damage, a well-documented history of regular inspections and preventative maintenance may increase the likelihood that most of the costs of repairing and restoring damage will be covered by a commercial property insurance policy.