Every Business Should Be Concerned About Water Damage

Where there is a fire, it isn’t long until you smell smoke. Water leaks and moisture, however, can start small and go unnoticed for a long time, causing incredible damage to the structure and assets and even lead to health problems. What’s worse, it does not have to be a torrent of water to cause problems that warrant a costly disruption in business operations. No matter how much a business owner may want to ignore the problem, the reality is water’s capacity to inflict severe and costly damage looms over every business.

Water Damage Costs Add Up Quickly

Naturally, business owners have many business concerns on their mind, so it is easy to push potential water damage down the list. That is, until the inevitable. It is not a matter of if there will be a water or moisture problem, but when. In fact, water damage is one of the top reasons for commercial insurance claims. Not only does it result in the need for costly repairs, but it can also result in lost productivity as very often business operations must come to a temporary halt for structural repair or the replacement of costly water-sensitive equipment.

What Causes Commercial Water Damage?

While there are many things that can cause serious water damage to a business, there are a few things that are most common.

HVAC System

Malfunctions in Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Systems (HVAC) are a common source of water damage. These systems often produce condensation that needs to drain. Typically, the moisture is collected in a pan and then expelled through pipes. These systems are finely tuned to the individual building structure’s layout and size and if the system is not maintained or there are significant structural changes to the building, it can result in a system malfunction or excessive moisture building up in a room. This can cause problems for any moisture sensitive electronics or equipment.

Leaky Pipes

Old and damaged pipes are another common problem in commercial buildings, especially in ones that use water in their processes. Often pipe leaks go unnoticed and create damage over a period of time.

Water Heaters

Water heaters are notorious for causing water damage. Since they hold and transfer water continuously, they experience the build-up of contaminants which aid in corrosion. Corrosion often results in leaks.

Damaged Roofing

Damaged or missing shingles or other roof system problem can lead to leaks that can cause the growth of mold, and additional damage to the structure and its contents.

Water Using Appliances

Any water-using feature such as a sink or a toilet, or appliance used in commercial processes is at serious risk of leaking and causing damage.

The Best Tool For Preventing Water Damage

The most effective solution for protecting a business from costly water damage is by catching the problem at its source at the earliest possible moment using an integrated leak detection system with monitoring. These systems use a combination of water sensors placed in areas common to leaks or the collection of moisture, an alarm, and an automatic shut-off. A leak detection system can detect the ingress of water in sensitive areas where high-value equipment, information, products, or materials are present. When the system detects water, it initiates the automatic shut-off function, preventing the leak from causing major, hidden, or lasting consequences.