Water leaks can spring up anywhere in an office building and if left undetected, can cause a lot of damage.
This is why it is important to make sure that you are getting your office areas properly checked. This is a major reason why most leaks go undetected. Either proper checking is not being done or the wrong areas are being focused on.
Regular checking is necessary for early detection. This plays a huge role in ensuring that water damage is minimal and repaired properly. The following are some common office areas that should be checked for water leaks:
- The Bathroom
Always make sure that faucets and toilets of the bathroom are in functional shape. Most offices have large bathrooms with more than one toilet. A leak in one or two could easily go undetected and lead to water wastage and a lot of water damage.
Faucet leaks also go undetected in a similar manner. Make sure that all the faucets function properly and they also don’t drip water. Much like with toilets, leaking faucets will increase water consumption and cause considerable water damage.
- The Basement
In a commercial building, the majority of the pipes are going to be housed in the basement of the building. It is a good idea to check the basement for any leaks. Look for pools of water under pipes or the HVAC and water heater system.
These pools of water can be indicative of when there is a leak. Additionally, old water heaters are notorious for leaking water. Getting it repaired as soon as possible will ensure that water damage is minimized. Given the damp, humid environment of the basement, mold infestation is the most common thing to happen.
- The Roof
Roof leaks are a serious issue as they can lead to structural damage. This can cause a lot of damage and require professional help. Leaking water will also travel downwards, getting into the walls and ceilings of the floor. If appropriate action is not taken, it can eventually weaken the structure enough to cause it to collapse.
Since roofs are exposed to the elements, weather conditions also dictate how much damage the roof can acquire. In some areas, rain happens constantly and if a roof is not treated right, it can suffer from water leaks.
- The Balcony
Most offices have a balcony which can make the office area more pleasant. However, if care is not taken, these can sustain a lot of water damage. Balconies can collect water from rainfall or even snow. Atmospheric pollution can also lead to water damage from balconies so keep a close eye on its condition.
If affected balconies are not properly cleaned up, they not only cause water damage, they also cause structural damage. Additionally, since the wind blows in from these balconies, mold spores can travel inside and pollute the indoor air quality.
Conclusion
Commercial buildings and office areas need to be checked for water leaks as these can lead to serious structural damage. For the best results, you should work with a good professional who can help you out.
