Top 5 Causes of Commercial Water Damage

12/12/2022 (Permalink)

Water has ruined the ceiling tiles in this commercial building.

5 Causes of Commercial Water Damage

Water damage is among the most common types of property damage in the United States. Water damage can happen at any time, and it’s a problem that requires an immediate response. If you don't act quickly, mold growth can occur on damp surfaces and cause serious damage to your commercial property. 

1. Leaking Plumbing

Leaking plumbing pipes are one of the most common causes of commercial water damage, so you'll want to be able to spot them in your building. Leaks can develop anywhere in a plumbing system—from faucets, toilets, and the water heater, to branches and drains. The first step in diagnosing a leak is determining where it's coming from by checking each fixture individually. If you find a small amount of water around one area more often than others such as near a sink, it could indicate that there's a problem with your plumbing system. 

2. Degraded Water Lines

Water lines can get old and degrade. As the water flows through your system, it picks up minerals from the soil in your pipes. These minerals build up over time and form scale, which can cause clogs to form inside your system. You might also see rust stains or notice that the water pressure has dropped significantly since you moved into your building.

If you have plastic piping instead of metal pipe in some areas of your building, this can increase the chances that mold will grow inside those pipes as well as on any wet surfaces near them. It's also possible that there's a crack somewhere along these pipes.

3. Blocked Drains

It’s important to note that blocked drains are a problem that can be caused by many things. For example, toilet paper, hair products and other household products can get stuck in the drain. However, there are also ways to prevent this from happening in the future.

If you notice that your drains are beginning to get clogged up regularly, consider using some drain cleaner every now and then so that you keep them clean and clear at all times. If you find yourself with an especially stubborn blockage in your sink or shower drain. then it might be time to contact a professional plumber for assistance.

4. Faulty Appliances

Faulty appliances can cause water damage, fires and electrical problems. If you have a faulty appliance, it may be time to replace it with a new one. 

Here are a few types of damage that can occur due to faulty appliances:

• Water Damage: Faulty appliances can leak or burst due to wear and tear. This can lead to extensive water damage in your commercial space.
• Fire Damage: A faulty appliance is more likely to catch fire for numerous reasons. If this happens, call the fire department immediately! SERVPRO of Burlington/Woburn can assist with all the fire damage cleanup and restoration once the fire has been put out.
• Mold Damage: If water damage event due to a faulty appliance occurs on your property, then mold can begin to grow almost immediately in the moist environment created by standing water. Calling a professional water cleanup crew as quickly as possible can prevent a mold infestation from breaking out.  

5. Malfunctioning Roofs

Leaking roofs are a common cause of commercial water damage. Roof leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor installation and maintenance, age, bad weather and more. If you notice signs that your roof is leaking (such as water stains on walls or ceilings), it's important to act quickly before the damage worsens.

Conclusion

Be sure to call SERVPRO for water damage restoration services if you need help with any of these issues. Our team is here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to help you get your business back up and running after a water damage event.