Water Damage Can Hold Your Business Back

11/5/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Billings is your local commercial restoration company. We will always be here to help clean up and get you back in business.

A water intrusion in your commercial building can be devastating for business.

Flooding can start inside due to a plumbing issue or a leaky roof that results in lost inventory, closed-off floors or even the need to shut down for a while.

Natural causes of flooding are also a huge area of concern, too. Yellowstone River is a consistent source of flooding, just as the rainy season and snowmelt season are.

With so many risk factors for our area, it is essential to know what to do before flooding happens so that you can prevent and protect your business as much as possible. The more you are able to do before a disaster, the faster and safer you will bounce back afterwards.

Know Your Building’s Layout

One of the first steps you should take to prevent extensive damages to your property is learning the layout of your building. Find the shutoffs for the sprinkler system and the main water line so that you can turn water off quickly in the event of a failure or a leak.

Educate your staff or the businesses that rent your space with this information and make sure there are designated people in your emergency plan to handle shutting water off as needed.

Know the Types of Water Involved

If you do experience a flood or leak, understanding the kind of water you are dealing with is crucial in keeping everyone in your building safe.

White water. This is a common kind of water intrusion and typically originates from plumbing. This water is not considered contaminated and can be handled on your own when it is in small amounts.

Gray water. Gray water comes from sinks or toilets when they overflow. While this water is considered contaminated, it is not dangerous.

Black water. Flooding from storms or a sewage backup are considered black water, a form of flooding that is toxic and requires a professional cleanup response.

Take Action Quickly

Timing will always matter when it comes to water damage, so the sooner you can locate the source of water and shut it down, the better.

Once you have the initial water flow stopped, open windows and doors to get as much air flowing as possible. Let everyone in the building know to avoid the area.

Take pictures and note damaged areas as much as you are able to ease your insurance claim process. This documentation can also serve as indicators for where your building may need to be shored up during the restoration process.

Remember to Be Patient

Water damage is harder to see than you may think. Once the initial area is dry, there may be hidden damages such as wet wall studs, moldy framing and buckled floors. Keep an eye out for these signs of deep damages so you can address any issues quickly.

After water does intrude, call SERVPRO of Billings as quickly as possible. We will create a plan and walk with you through the entire process of drying out and restoring your business.

Sanitation and drying can take up to a week or more depending on the severity of the flooding, so stay patient throughout the process.

Our team has the experience, training and equipment to get your business up and running as fast as possible. We will have you back to normal before you could even imagine.

When disaster strikes your commercial property, we’ll be there to help clean up and get you back in business quickly. Reach out 24⁄7 to get started!