What Are the Main Causes of Commercial Water Damage?

11/9/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage from flooding is one of the most common natural disasters to affect homeowners and business owners everywhere. You may be wondering what causes water damage in the first place. Water damage from a natural disaster usually comes from rain, snow, tornadoes, or a dam overflow, among other scenarios. In many cases, water damage occurs slowly enough that you may have time to take shelter or evacuate. However, in some cases, flash floods often happen in the blink of an eye and can appear without warning. The first step to preparing for water damage would be to know what causes it. Once you know that information, you can better train your staff should a water damage emergency occur. As a business owner, you must take action immediately if or when a water damage situation arises for the well-being of your employees and your business. 

What Causes Water Damage To Take Over A Commercial Property, Aside From A Flood Or Tornado?

• You may want to take another look at your windows if they aren’t properly sealed! Resealing windows regularly prevents moisture from creeping in because water damage is often caused by windows that aren’t appropriately enclosed. 
• A broken or burst pipe can happen due to a pressure change, cold weather (which leads to freezing pipes), and collapsed water supply lines can all lead to water damage in your Nashville commercial property. Some signs of a broken pipe include bulging walls and cracked tiles. 
• A sewage (toilet) overflow is a cause of both commercial AND residential water damage. This type of water damage is not only inconvenient, but it also contains harmful bacteria and pathogens that can cause serious infections for anyone who comes in contact with it. If you hear gurgling sounds from the toilet, it might be time to call a trusted restoration company.  

How Can You Prepare Your Staff For Any Water Damage Emergency?

• Prepare a facility maintenance plan and audit it every six months to a year. Each area of your property should be thoroughly examined, including doors, windows, gates, and roofs. Adding this to your already busy schedule may seem hectic now, but you never know when this extra preparation will pay off. 
• Create an emergency kit that should include the following:

• A first-aid kit
• Batteries
• Insurance documents
• Food and water
• Blankets
• Battery-powered radio

• Mold always shows up when too much moisture is consolidated in one area. To prevent this, make sure that work areas are well-ventilated. And most importantly, clean wet surfaces with water and detergent, NOT bleach mixed with ammonia! 

At SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville, we have over fifty years of experience restoring commercial properties to their preloss condition. As business owners, we know how important it is to keep your Nashville commercial property well-maintained, and we understand. The health and safety of your employees are paramount, and as a business owner, you want to take every necessary measure to ensure that your employees are safe and comfortable. If you experience flooding, no matter the cause, contact our team at (615) 242-9391. As your Nashville neighbors, we have the gift of proximity on our side, ready for whatever happens!

This franchise is independently owned and operated.