3 Common Causes for Commercial Water Losses & How to Prevent Them

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

Water cleanup due to a busted pipe at a hotel

For business owners or property managers, large commercial structures require a lot of up keep, attention to detail, and organization in order to keep them running in tip top shape. It is crucial to stay up to date on reunion matience, having a mastered emergency plan, and having a strong team to support you. While most disasters are preventable if these steps are taken, some will happen no matter what. One disaster can disrupt your building for hours, days, weeks, and even permanently if you are not careful. There are three common causes for large water losses to look out for.

HVAC failures/Drain pan over flow
Your air conditioner removes moisture from the air and as a result, condensation forms. The condensation travels from the indoor coil to the drain pan and through the drain line. These drian pans can over flow for many different reasons. It is usually from a crack in the pan or excess debris causing a clog. In order to prevent these water damages there are a few small and easy steps to take. Install a float switch. This will shut off your air conditioning if water in the pan gets too high, giving you a clear sign that it needs help. You can also schedule maintenance appointments once or twice a year to insure a professional is keeping everything well maintained.

Plumbing leaks

Busted and leaking pipes is a constant issue for structures with stacked plumbing such as hotels and other hospitality facilities. A crack as small as 1/8 inches can leak up to 250 gallons of water a day! The average commercial water disaster can cost up to $500,00 so it is critical to take steps to keep pluming pipes in good condition. Making sure to replace any leaking fittings or drains, note and investigate any finding of standing water, keeping the pipes warm in a freeze, and add water flow sensors around toilets, bathtubs, washing machines, etc.

Roof leaks

The most common source of commercial water leaks is a roof leak. These commercial buildings usually have HVAC equipment, skylights, and vents that increase the amount of access points water has to enter the building. When preventing roof leaks it is important to never push the limit with the lifetime of your roof. Replace it when the time comes and do not push it off. Smaller preventative steps to take include cleaning out drains, removing debris, and scheduling regular roof inspections.

SERVPRO of Bay St. Louis/Diamondhead has trained and certified technicians to help with any water damage that might come your way. We can also help you plan for those emergency’s with our free Emergency Ready Profile service. Call our office today to schedule your ERP or anytime with any restorations needs! (228)467-4450