If you have a water leak at your place of business, it may be the end of your company because not only can it be expensive to clean up, but it can also halt or slow your business operations.
Your business will suffer if you have to deal with the disturbance, send employees home or to help with the cleanup, or the loss of product and paperwork.
Here are some suggestions to aid in problem identification as well as some techniques that might assist in preventing water leaks and other potential harm.
What Are the Usual Suspects Behind Water Leaks At Your Business?
Knowing potential water sources can drastically lower the likelihood of office water damage. Consider the following potential water sources:
- Appliances: Water damage is a typical problem with washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, and air conditioners. The appliance's age is important since gear that produces condensation frequently corrodes over time, increasing the risk of a leak. Water supply hoses for washing machines and dishwashers can leak. There's a chance that several hundred gallons of water will flow out, severely harming the building and everything inside.
- Pipes and Drains: Clogs and obstructions in plumbing systems can cause washing machines, sinks, and toilets to overflow. Grease buildup in kitchen sinks and tree roots in sewer systems are two examples of things that cause clogs and stoppages. During the winter, pipes could freeze, break, and harm the structure. A 1/8-inch pipe crack may release 250 gallons of water every day.
- Roofing: Because of ice dams and worn-out, missing, or damaged roofing components, roofing problems can result in water entering the attic and damaging the ceilings, walls, and flooring. Due to inadequate attic insulation and ventilation, ice dams can hasten the degradation of a roof. The effects of wind, snow, ice, rain and foot activity can have an impact on a roof's capacity to keep water out.
Preventing Water Leaks During Interior Construction
Look through your tools; if you notice anything that makes you uncomfortable, it's usually time to take action. The following choices are all viable:
Check the hose connections on the water supply lines to dishwashers, ice makers, washing machines, and other water-using appliances.
Re-caulk and re-grout the areas around bathtubs, showers, and sinks. Tiles that are missing or loose, as well as leaky shower pans, need to be fixed.
Every three to five years, as part of a preventative maintenance program, you should check and fix the hoses on your washing machine. Any earlier if there are signs of bulging, cracking, or other deterioration. For increased strength and longevity, think about switching out your conventional reinforced rubber hoses for stainless steel braided hoses.
For improved safety, think about a stainless-steel braided hose with an integrated auto-shutoff system.
Follow the recommended maintenance schedule for all equipment and appliances. Drain some water periodically to clean the sediment from the bottom of the tank on the water heater. Pay close attention to the manufacturer's instructions.
Tankless water heaters need regular maintenance and servicing, like water softeners and filtering systems.
Another way to detect leaks is by using smart devices such as the bulldog valve robot, a versatile machine that can be used in various applications.
An expert HVAC technician can assist with routine maintenance to maintain air conditioner pan drain lines free of deposits that could plug the line.
When the temperature drops, a trickle of water from the hot and cold faucets may help prevent the pipes from freezing. Another practical alternative is to open cabinet doors to let heat into pipes under sinks and appliances close to outside walls.
Insulate water pipes near freezing temperatures or drafts, such as those found in basements and garages, to reduce the probability of frozen pipe leaks.
Conclusion
There are many possible causes of water leaks at businesses, but some of the most common culprits are faulty valves, pipes, or fixtures. Issues with the water supply can occasionally bring on leaks. If you suspect a water leak, it's essential to have it checked out by a bulldog valve robot and a professional as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs or damage to your property.
Econet Controls’ Bulldog Valve Robot can automatically detect leaks, shut off the water, and save tens and thousands of dollars in construction and insurance costs. The bulldog valve robot saves hassles, with no plumber required, no smart home required, and no wifi required. Buy now!