Water Damage Causes in Buildings | SERVPRO of East Cobb

3/17/2023 (Permalink)

Experienced water damage in your commercial building? SERVPRO of East Cobb can help you get dried out quickly.

Water is one of the top causes of damage in commercial buildings. Even a simple leaky toilet can lead to substantial damage when left undetected long-term.

When you own or manage a commercial building, you have a lot on your plate, and catching every leak or drip can feel like an impossible challenge. Get to know the most leak-prone areas in your building so that you can take proactive steps to prevent a total disaster.

3 Common Sources

An interruption in your business is never a good thing. Closing the doors because of water damage will not only cost you thousands in repairs and restoration, but it can also lead to income losses while you wait for everything to be cleaned up.

Start regularly checking water leak-prone areas as part of your everyday maintenance so that you can catch a problem before it causes damage.

1. The Roof - A leak in your roof can happen as a result of a severe weather event or from age and general deterioration. When left unchecked, a roof leak can cause damage on every level of your building. Clean your gutters year-round and check your roof quarterly and after every major wind or ice event to catch and repair issues quickly.
2. Bathrooms - Pipes on toilets and sinks can leak from a hole the size of a pin and are the cause of nearly 15% of all water loss in commercial buildings. Assign multiple members of your maintenance crew to checking all the bathrooms for dripping noises or standing water. Stop leaks quickly to avoid severe damages.
3. Water Heaters/HVAC/Boilers. If your building has large appliances that have a water line or create condensation, there is potential for them to leak. Drains and loose pipe connections can lead to leaks that might be hard to find. Check for puddles near your heating and cooling units, and pay attention to water pressure changes in your building. These are both indicators of an issue that if caught early can be stopped before disaster strikes.

Take Preventive Steps

With the exception of a natural disaster that leaves your building flooded, most forms of water damage can be prevented when an event is addressed quickly. Prepare your building and your staff now and you can lower your risks greatly.

Start by preparing a maintenance plan that covers your whole building and ensures someone is looking at plumbing regularly.

If you have a plan that isn’t cutting it or don’t even know where to begin on a plan, let us at SERVPRO work with to create an Emergency Ready Plan that will break down your response process step by step.

Make sure your plan includes every fixture in your building, including any kitchen sinks. Find your water shut-off valves throughout the building, and train several staff members to turn the water off in the event of an emergency.

Moving quickly will always be the best way to control damages during a water event. Handle the immediate situation first as safely as possible, then call SERVPRO. We are available ²⁴⁄₇ to start your restoration process quickly so that you can keep business going.

Experienced water damage in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.