Is your office building vulnerable to water damage? Keep an eye on the major causes of water damage in your commercial property.
Storms, hurricanes, or heavy rainfall aren’t the only sources of flooding and commercial water damage. The bulk of the threat comes from unforeseeable events that provide absolutely no time to prepare, and by the time you realize that the problem exists, much of the water damage is already done.
Here are some causes of commercial water damage:
Drains and Pipes
Oftentimes, the plumbing systems in commercial properties are vulnerable to clogs, stoppages and other associated problems. A crack that’s just an eighth of an inch can easily dump 250 gallons of water in your premises.
Keep an eye out for key signs of water damage, such as moisture, rusting, bulging, blue stains, and cracking. As soon as you come across any of these signs, get the area inspected by your plumber.
Sewage Back ups
Toilet clogs and sewage backups are one of the most common causes of commercial water damage. There are various reasons for backed up toilets such as flushing down items that aren’t supposed to go in the sewage lines.
You must act quickly when faced with sewage backups because the contaminated water that erupts from the toilet and other openings contain toxic substances and microbes that pose a serious threat to the health of those around. Since taking actions on your own can prove dangerous, the best approach is to contact a local home restoration company to address the issue.
Faulty Sprinkler System
While it’s a great idea to have fire sprinkler systems in your office to address fire-related emergencies, outdated sprinklers can be a source of water damage. Automatic sprinklers, if not inspected and regularly updated, can malfunction and turn on even if there’s no fire around. Depending on the amount of water they release, they can cause significant water damage to your commercial space.
Roof Leaks
During heavy rain or snowfall, water seeps through the openings on the roof. This may even happen when you try to remove snow or rainwater from the roof. If not addressed in a timely manner, roof leaks can lead to mold or mildew growth, ceiling damage, a weakened overall structure of the facility, and even fire related threats if the water makes its way to electrical wires or units.
Broken Equipment or Appliances
Like sprinkler systems, other appliances such as water heaters, clothes washers, dishwashers, etc., may also cause water damage in commercial offices. They might experience issues resulting in leakages that may not be easily detected. If your business makes use of such equipment, make sure you keep them well-maintained to avoid water damage.
Hence, if you’re concerned about water damage in your commercial space, watch out for the above-explained causes of water damage.
