Water damage is no small deal. Not only can it cause an unexpected leak in your budget, but it can also lead to even more devastating problems if not dealt with swiftly.
Water damage doesn’t necessarily only take place due to floods. Pipe or roof leaks are much more common causes of water damage in both home and commercial properties. What can you do to prevent water damage in your commercial space? Here are 5 tips you put into practice in your business today.
- Inspect gutters and drains
Clogged gutters and drains can cause backup and stagnant waters that can slowly make their ways through roofs and floors. Inspecting them regularly and cleaning them out will keep water flowing to where it needs to go – over, around and out of your building.
- Keep your business warm
Temperatures should never reach below 50 degrees in your business, even when spaces are not in use or it is closed for the weekend. Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst. Remember that this is also an issue when nighttime and daytime temperatures vary, so make sure to keep your thermostat updated and well-maintained.
- Insulate outdoor pipes
Pipes that are not in areas where the temperatures are controlled are vulnerable to variations in environment. When temperatures get low, this means that the water in pipes and freeze, and they could potentially burst. Keeping them insulated will reduce the risk of this occurring.
- Seal cracks and gaps
Have an inspector identify potential problem areas – small cracks and gaps in the walls, floors and roof can open a space for water to come in.
- Find where the shut-off valve is
If a pipe bursts or leaks, you are going to want to shut off the water as soon as possible in order to avoid flooding and significant water damage. If a pipe breaks, the last thing you want to do is wait for a professional to arrive before turning off the water.
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These five tips will help to prevent water-related emergencies from occurring, and will allow you to act quickly if a leak or pipe burst does occur.