Top 9 Causes of Commercial Water Damage
Water damage in the workplace can negatively impact your employee productivity and make a dent in your reputation. Untreated water damage can also compromise the integrity of structures.
They say knowing is half the battle. Before you reach out to a water damage company in Sonoma County for water damage restoration, try to pinpoint the cause of the problem. If you are successful, you may be able to provide important information to your contractor, helping them fast-track the water damage restoration process.
Here are some common causes of commercial water damage.
Damaged Pipes
Some common causes of damaged pipes include excessive water pressure, advanced corrosion, broken seals, and clogged lines. If you notice the following signs, you have damaged pipes.
- A sudden and inexplicable rise in your water bill
- Water stains on your building’s walls, floors, or ceilings
- Poor water pressure
- Musty odors
- Rumbling near your water main
If untreated, a leaking pipe can cause serious damage to your walls. You know it’s time to call a plumber if you notice some or more of these signs. A professional will get to the root cause of the problem and eliminate it before the problem snowballs into a major issue.
Window Damage
A damaged window without a proper seal is unable to prevent water and moisture from seeping into the building. Excess moisture can cause a whole host of problems, including wood damage and mold growth.
If you do not move swiftly to address the problem, things will go from bad to worse and you may have to spend hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars on expensive repairs.
Window seals must be checked at least once every year. Repair or replace damaged seals. Reapply necessary caulking occasionally as it wears naturally with time.
Leaking Sprinkler Systems
Over time, leaks may develop in sprinkler systems due to corrosion and damaged sprinkler heads and pipes. A leaking sprinkler system is a recipe for disaster. It can cause significant water damage.
Some signs of sprinkler leaks include wet walls and carpets, standing water in the building, and moldy or musty smells. Have a professional inspect and maintain your building’s sprinkler system at least once every year. In between inspections, take the time out to check the system for leaks.
Natural Disasters
Though you cannot prevent natural disasters such as thunderstorms, flash floods, and hurricanes, you can mitigate the damage caused by them by taking some precautionary measures to prepare for the worst.
Maintain a healthy drainage system. Your gutters should be clean of debris and blockages at all times. Have a professional clean and maintain your gutters at least twice a year. Have a disaster response plan that focuses on restoring your building to its former glory.
Damaged HVAC System
Do you notice signs of wear and tear on your duct system? Consult your contractor immediately. Damaged ducts can lead to water leakage. A leak can cause moisture to collect in summer. Moisture build-up in the ductwork is a leading cause of ceiling damage.
Have a licensed and experienced technician inspect and maintain your system at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals (usually once every year).
During a maintenance session, your HVAC contractor will clean and lubricate different parts. They will look for and nip problems in the bud.
Damaged Roof
A roof can get damaged by a natural disaster. Another common cause of roof damage is lack of or improper maintenance. Water leaking from a damaged roof can seep into the walls and can be a source of dampness.
Constant water intrusion can cause the paint on the walls to peel and damage the plaster. If you fail to address the problem in a timely manner, water leaking from your roof can compromise the structural integrity of your building. Excessive moisture accumulation due to water intrusion can cause mold to grow and for those who are allergic to mold, breathing in mold spores can trigger a flare-up.
A leaking or damaged roof demands immediate attention. Have your roofing contractor check and maintain your roof at least once every six months.
Backed-Up Sewer Lines
A backed-up sewer line can release contaminated water into the building. Sewer contains harmful pathogens that can cause health issues such as cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, and loss of appetite.
Some signs of sewer damage are water backing up out of drains or toilets and gurgling sounds. Instruct your employees to avoid flushing solid waste such as feminine hygiene products, cigarette butts, baby wipes, paper towels and tissues, and dental floss down the toilet. Maintain your sewer lateral. Consider a backwater prevention valve.
Damaged/Malfunctioning Appliances
Almost every office has a kitchen or break room or pantry. Typically, these areas have a refrigerator and/or a dishwasher. When these appliances break down, they can leak a significant amount of water. To prevent water-related damage from appliances, keep them in top shape all year round.
Water Used to Extinguish Fires
Water used to extinguish a fire can cause damage to the property. If due care is not taken to control the flow of water while extinguishing a fire, flooding can occur. Fire can break faucets or pipes, causing leaks and ruptures.
Do you need water damage restoration, extraction, or removal services in Sonoma County? Look no further than West Coast Fire & Water. We are a leading water damage company in Sonoma County. We are committed to helping businesses stop and reverse water damage. To talk to one of our experts, call (707) 504-3708.