Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO employee cuts out a section of drywall so he can dry hidden moisture in this water-damaged building.

Each year, dozens of businesses in the Newton, NC area have water damage. At best, these incidents are a minor inconvenience; at worst, they can halt operations and cost the company thousands of dollars. Over the years, SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties has helped hundreds of commercial properties recover from water damages, so we’re sharing some of the most common causes!

Why You Have Commercial Water Damage

1. Sprinkler system malfunction. A sprinkler system is a great investment as far as fire safety is concerned. After all, these systems have the ability to control a fire before it gets out of hand! But they also have the potential to cause unwanted water damage, like when there’s a leak or if they discharge prematurely. While we encourage you to install a sprinkler system at your place of business, it’s equally important that you conduct regular maintenance and inspections.

2. Pipe burst/leak. Your plumbing system contains pressurized water, so when there’s a break in the system, dozens of gallons can burst into your building. Many businesses in the Newton community have faced this issue, though for varying reasons. Some incidents, for example, are caused by a workplace accident; others are the result of age and/or a lack of maintenance. Regardless, your property’s pipes should be protected and inspected at all costs!

3. Structural leaks. Your building does more than just home your place of operations; it also protects it from the outside. Rain can cause a lot of damage, which many people have experienced during past floods, but the building’s structure prevents that from happening. If there’s a crack or other deficiency in the structure, however, it can allow rain to infiltrate your space. In fact, we’ve seen several buildings that were flooded because of some sort of structural damage.

Water Damage Professionals Serving Newton, NC

As we’ve illustrated above, water damage can occur in the most unexpected ways. While it’s not possible to know when and how you’ll have a disaster, you can prepare for yourself for potential scenarios. If you regularly inspect your building and its water systems, you can hopefully identify issues before they occur. But if you do have water damage, know that SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties' water mitigation professionals are always here to help!