When there’s a water leak in a commercial building, it can be expensive to address. This is not only because of the money that needs to be spent on any repairs and restoration for commercial water damage, but also because of how it hinders the function of your business.
If the damage is severe enough, then you may not be able to run your business until repairs are made and the restoration is complete. Commercial buildings are more prone to leaks. This is because bathrooms and kitchens in commercial settings undergo more use, and thus stress, than residential settings.
However, with proper maintenance and preparation, there are ways to prevent water leaks from occurring and to ready yourself and your business in case leaks do happen, allowing your business to stay up and running.
Types of Water Leaks
Faucet leaks
Faucets all have parts that wear out as time passes, and this is especially the case when they’re used on a frequent basis. If your faucet starts to leak, be it because of a broken seal or other part, the leakage leads to excessive water loss and a considerable increase in your water bill. As such, you’ll want to have the faucet repaired to prevent further water loss.
Toilet leaks
Various parts of a toilet can become worn down and develop issues, one of which is water loss. One component’s leakage, like from a toilet’s flapper, can cause damage to other components. This will lead to a further amount of leaking, a more expensive water bill, and eventual replacement of your toilet.
Hidden leaks
Not all leaks within a commercial building are visible. Some occur in hidden spaces like within a wall. Early detection is important in limiting the water loss and damage that occurs. Some warning signs of hidden leaks are ceilings, walls, and floors that have swelled or have water marks. Be on the lookout for wet surfaces in your business and a more expensive water bill.
Underground leaks
Like hidden leaks, underground leaks are difficult to detect because they aren’t visible. But buried piping systems can leak and cause damage. Be aware of water bill increases, wet soil, and plants that have been growing quicker than ones around them.
Do Maintenance
Pipe inspections
If you have a professional conduct a regular inspection of all of the faucets, pipes, plumbing systems, and toilets in your business, then you can prevent severe plumbing problems.
Upgrade parts
Some plumbing systems cannot handle being used in high volumes. However, if you upgrade the system, you can limit potential issues.
Filtration systems and water heater
If your water heater and filtration system don’t undergo regular maintenance, then it can lead to problems. Regular maintenance will help avoid issues like leaks.
Emergency Preparation
Install leak detection system
With a leak detection system, it’s easier to spot potential leakage, allowing you to tend to the problem sooner. Advancements in technology have also made it so water can be shut off automatically in certain situations, preventing water from causing more damage.
Backup data
If leaking is bad enough, then it can cause substantial damage, potentially ruining electronics that have important data concerning your business. That said, in the case of such an event, you’ll want to have all information backed up, so it isn’t lost. Back up your business’s data to a cloud system or an external hard drive so that you will still have it when emergencies happen.
Post-Leak Actions to Take
Shut off water
If there’s a leak — especially one that comes as a surprise — causing damage to your property, it is in your business’s best interest to shut the water off. Turning the water off will prevent continued and further leaks and damage while also allowing repairs to be made.
Block off affected area
With consumers and clients to work with, you’ll want them to stay away from any areas that have leaking because it can lead to significant problems. Block off sections that are affected by leaks.
Contact a plumber
When you notice a leak, be sure to reach out to a plumber. The sooner, the better, because then the issue can be addressed more quickly.
Even after the leak has been fixed, there still may be damage from it. To have the damage addressed, call a professional for water damage restoration services that can get your business running again. These professionals will know how to address any water or property damage.
