4 Water Issues that Cause Businesses in West Virginia to Lose A lot of Money and HOW TO AVOID them.

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

At a Glance:

• What to do with Pipe cracks and loose fittings
• Plumbing back up
• Fire Safety Sprinkling System
• Foundation Cracks

Some water restoration jobs caused by these four issues listed below can cost up to $100,000+ in extreme cases. But even with the small cases, they can still cost quite a lot and even cause a lot of closed business.

In this post you will see 4 of the leading causes we’ve seen create dramatic water damage to West Virginian Businesses, as well as a few tips that must be (seriously) considered in order to manage these dangers.

Danger 1: Pipes (cracks & loose fittings)

There are two points within this one that must be addressed. These issues happen over time and it is regularly over looked or even ignored by businesses.

Unfortunately the longer the problem is overlooked the bigger the damage potential grows. For example there may be multiple points that can burst at once, creating a wider diameter of damage to your office or building (making it even more costly to remedy).

Very cheap suggestion: Does your business have a routine, building-wide pipe check? If no, then arrange for that. Even doing this once per year will dramatically decrease the risk to your business and it is not going to blow the bank.

What would you rather do? Pay $1,000 a year for 10 years to check? Or $50,000-$100,000 in damages?

Danger 2: Plumbing Backup

This is the most common issue we are called in for. A backed up sink pipe is one thing, and a backed up toilet is uncomfortable for even the strongest of stomachs in your workplace.

Tips to avoid this issue: Stay away from anything that solidifies in pipes. Obvious things include plaster or grease, but lesser known items include cooking oils. Cooking oils build up over time and solidify in pipes. If possible allow oils to cool and then dispose in a trash disposal. Or if time is sensitive, run hot water simultaneously down the drain with the oils and continue for 30 seconds after.

Danger 3: Fire Safety Sprinkling System

One of the most expensive issues to go wild in your business. A faulty water system will damage everything in your business and cover the most ground possible.

A simple faulty trip of the fire safety may result in the entire system being initiated, possibly damaging all computers, desks, carpets and walls.

Damage from this example can be financially crippling to most businesses, from restoration of the foundations, to refitting the entire business and replacing all equipment. Not to mention any lost data to the business from computing damages.

Tips to avoid this issue: Have regular safety inspections for your fire safety systems. Do you do this now? How often do you do it? Suggestions range from every 3-6 months. The more frequent, the safer you will be.

Danger 4: Foundation Cracks

While yes, this is often a landlord responsibility to keep on top of, can you financially afford for water flooding? Time where your business is closed due to restoration and/or rebuilding? If no, make sure to follow these actions:

Tips for avoid this issue: Speak with your landlord and have an agreement (in writing) that they will conduct routine foundation checks (at least every 6 or 12 months) to check thoroughly for foundation weaknesses including cracks or holes. If they don’t want to do this, explain the expensive risk they are taking.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to call our team on 304-428-7378 or email your questions to office@SERVPRO10649.com

We hope this has helped.

The Team at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties