"I Overlooked These Factors In Commercial Water Damage"

9/6/2018 (Permalink)

Avoid a preventable business shutdown by preparing for potential commercial water damage events

After major water damage at his business, the business owner said, “I messed up. I did not think about all of the major reasons for commercial water damage. My business wasn’t prepared. Don’t make the same mistakes I did.”

Like this business owner, many commercial property owners think all commercial water damage is caused by floods, massive rains, and storms. Weather events, storms, and flooding do shut down businesses and create major water damage in commercial buildings. But there are other major factors of commercial water damage. If you don’t prepare for them your business is more likely to suffer major damage. Here are five frequently overlooked causes of commercial water damage.   
 
1. Faulty kitchen appliances and other equipment
Restaurants and catering businesses sometimes suffer water damage from old or faulty appliances and equipment. Any business with appliances or equipment that use water could suffer water damage. Have staff routine check your appliances for any signs of wear or leaks. If an appliance fails and spews water across your commercial building, especially during late hours when no one is around, you may return to your business and face a water damage emergency.

2. Neglected pipes and plumbing
Just like in a home, the plumbing system in a commercial business can fail. A broken pipe, frozen pipe, faulty plumbing, or minor leak can result in major water damage in just a few hours. At least once a month you or a staff member should do a quick visual scan of your business’s plumbing. Are there signs of rust? Is a spot under a pipe wet? Do you hear a drip? The best way to prevent major plumbing issues is to resolve minor issues fast.

Questions about commercial water damage? We’re experts. Call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield at 860.633.9781.

3. Outdated sprinkler systems or water heaters
We know of a church in Connecticut that had a sprinkler system that was well beyond the legally required replacement date.
Some older office and retail buildings have outdated sprinkler systems that work in conjunction with fire protection systems.

While sprinklers can come in handy during a fire emergency, they can also cause commercial flood damage if they are faulty, not well maintained, or in need of replacement. Many a time a poor sprinkler system has damaged commercial inventory and business assets and shut down business. Check your sprinkler system to make sure that it’s not faulty or in need of repair or replacement.

Water heaters in commercial buildings can crack or lose their seal because of high pressure. You want to follow the manufacturer guidelines and flush your water heater regularly so it will work properly.

4. Backups from sewer lines
Sewer backups are another cause of commercial water damage that often catches business owners by surprise. Should the sewer line to your building back up or become damaged, realize the potential dangers of contaminated black water which can cause health issues and ruin products and office furnishings.

Questions about commercial water damage? We’re experts. Call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield at 860.633.9781.

5. Leaking roofs
One of the more obvious ways commercial buildings suffer water damage is through an old or leaky roof. Inspect your business's roof frequently (at least every six months) to make sure it does not need to be reseal. Be sure the roof drains properly. Even small leaks should be fixed immediately.

Commercial water damage? Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield. Call anytime 24/7 at 860.216.2785.

More Information On Our Blog
You can learn more about commercial water damage, commercial fire damage, and other issues by reading other posts on this blog.

 
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