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Common Causes of Water Damage in Commercial Building | SERVPRO® of Billings
2/28/2023 (Permalink)
Experienced water damage in your commercial building? SERVPRO of Billings can help you get dried out quickly.
Water is one of the most common culprits when buildings are damaged, and even something as simple as a leaky toilet can leave behind an incredible amount of destruction.
When you own or operate a commercial building, catching every little drip or plumbing concern can be tricky. That’s why the more you learn about the most common causes of water damage, the more proactive you can be at preventing a total disaster.
There is no such thing as a good business interruption. Having to shut your doors because of a water disaster can not only cost you the loss of operating hours, but may also lead to thousands of dollars in needed repairs.
Make a habit of regularly checking these locations or having your maintenance crew do so in order to stop minor issues before they leave behind extensive damages:
1. The roof. Roof leaks can happen all the sudden after a major storm, or could be the result of a slow leak. This kind of water damage can make its way from the top of your building to the bottom if left unchecked. Keep your gutters cleared and have your roof checked for missing shingles and other damage after every major wind or ice event.
2. Bathrooms. Toilets and sink pipes can leak from a hole the size of a pinhead and account for nearly 15% of water loss in commercial buildings. If you have a large building, assign multiple staff members the task of checking pipes once a month or more to stop leaks before they become severe.
3. Water heaters/HVAC/boilers. Any appliance that has a water line has the potential to leak, often as a result of clogged drains or loose pipe connections. Watch for puddles near your heating and cooling units, and keep an eye on your building’s water pressure. These are all indicators of a problem that can be stopped before your building is damaged.
Aside from a natural disaster that causes floodwaters to rush in, most water damage can be prevented when it is handled quickly. When you take the time to prepare, you can cut your losses dramatically.
Creating a maintenance plan is a great first step in ensuring your building avoids damage from plumbing or other pipes. Working with SERVPRO to create an Emergency Ready Plan for your business can help take the guesswork out of what to do when a water disaster strikes.
From there, you can also take other actions. Check fixtures and seals often, and train several people that access your building on how to shut off water in the event of an emergency.
Timing will always matter when it comes to controlling water damages. Respond to the immediate situation as quickly as possible, and then call us at SERVPRO. We can take your call day or night and start your restoration project right away so you can keep your business going.
Experienced water damage in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.