Top 5 Causes of Commercial Water Damage

2/9/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage occurs frequently and can be caused by a lot of different things. Experiencing a water damage event on your commercial property can bring your business operations to a halt. If you want to reduce your risk of having a water loss on your property, it is important to take care of these top causes of commercial water damage:

Damaged, old, or leaking plumbing

Leaking pipes are a major cause of water damage in commercial buildings. These often go undetected, because they're hidden behind walls or under floors. When they burst, however, the results can be devastating—leaking pipes can cause mold growth and structural damage, which requires costly repairs.

Plumbing systems that haven't been inspected regularly are also prone to leaking when they become old or damaged over time. Leaks may occur without any visible signs until significant damage has occurred. Getting your plumbing inspected yearly is important to prevent water damage on your property.

Malfunctioning sprinkler systems

If a sprinkler system malfunctions, it can cause significant damage to the property. A faulty sprinkler system can leak water into walls and ceilings, causing mold to grow. The leaks may also drip down the walls or ceilings of your building and accumulate in puddles on the floor below.

If you suspect a faulty sprinkler system is at fault for your water damage, contact an expert immediately to inspect your property and provide mitigation and repairs.

Malfunctioning appliances

Malfunctioning appliances are a common cause of water damage at offices and commercial properties. When an appliance malfunctions, it can leak water or other fluids that can cause damage to the building’s structure and flooring.

Common culprits include:

• Refrigerators
• Washing machines
• Dishwashers

Foundation cracks or other structural damage

Foundation cracks or other structural damage can be caused by soil movement, improper construction, and even earthquakes. These factors create a situation where the foundation of your building is no longer level with its surroundings. The shifting of the structure itself may cause walls and floors to crack, which can lead to water leaking into your building causing considerable damage.

Natural disasters can cause water damage

Natural disasters are a common cause of water damage. Floods and hurricanes, in particular, can cause significant damage to your property and business. While the structural damages may be more obvious—and more expensive—the impact on your building’s systems is often less obvious.

Natural disasters can also result in a large amount of standing water that builds up inside your building. This standing water can damage your property and equipment by causing rusting or corrosion; it can also lead to mold growth that causes serious issues for those who work in the space.

You can reduce the likelihood of a water loss on your property

Water damage can be costly and disruptive. While you can't always prevent water from entering your building, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of it happening.

To reduce the risks of water damage on your commercial property, inspect the following regularly:

• inspect the plumbing
• inspect the sprinkler system
• inspect your appliances
• inspect the foundation
• prepare for a natural disaster

The most important thing to remember is that if you take care of these top causes of commercial water damage, you can reduce the likelihood of a water loss on your property. If you notice any of these signs at your business, call your local SERVPRO immediately!