Owning or managing a commercial property is great! It’s fulfilling, allows you to build your dream life, and gives you a purpose, but of course, just as with anything in life, it’s not free from its fair share of problems.
One of the most common problems business owners face in Cordova, or anywhere else for that matter, is water damage. That’s why ServiceMaster by Cornerstone is here! In this post, we answer the following:
- What are the signs of commercial water damage?
- What causes commercial water damage?
- Who should you turn to for commercial water damage restoration?
Understanding the signs and common causes of water damage can help you avoid problems before they happen, stop problems right in their track, and get started on your water damage restoration plan right away!
Signs of Water Damage in Your Business
While water dripping down from your ceiling or reaching your ankles is an obvious sign there is water damage, other signs aren’t always so obvious. In fact, hidden water damage is very common and can sneak by without detection for days and even months!
While inspecting your facilities for water damage, be on the lookout for:
- Peeling wallpaper
- Bubbles in wall
- Warped flooring
- Rust around pipes
- Unexplained pooling water
- Sounds of running water
- Signs of mold growth
- Stains on walls or ceilings
- Damp and cold wall
- Humid or musty smells
- Soft interior materials
- Increased water bills
Even if you don’t believe that the water damage is “that bad,” it’s imperative that you take the proper steps to ensure everything is actually okay. ServiceMaster by Cornerstone can provide the water damage inspection needed to locate the source of damage, confirm the category of water damage, and get things on the mend.
Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage
Water can enter your damage in countless ways, but some of the most common causes of water damage we help homeowners recover from include:
Storm Water Damage
While there is always some level of preparedness that can be done to prevent a severe amount of water damage during a storm, high winds and heavy rainfall can still come without warning and cause unexpected water damage to your business.
Whether clogged gutters, backed-up storm drains, or just too much rain got the best of your business, it’s important to ensure that your commercial building doesn’t have any major water damage. If water enters your business, seek out commercial water and storm damage restoration to properly dry your property and get things cleaned up right away.
Plumbing Leaks & Broken Pipes Water Damage
Needless to say, plumbing leaks can cause a lot of damage to your business. They don’t only present the perfect water source for mold and damage to grow under 48 – 72 hours, but plumbing leaks can easily go hidden because plumbing lines are more often than not in a place you can’t see.
Even the smallest leak can cause water damage. Some of the most common plumbing leaks we clean up and repair damage from include:
- P-Trap Connections: these exposed drainpipes should be treated with care to avoid leaks under your sink
- Lines Behind Walls: plumping piping can be installed behind walls and suffer leaks leading to water damage
- Water Heaters: commercial buildings still have traditional water heaters that commonly deal with leaks and bursts, leading to water damage
Broken pipes in your business can introduce even more water into your space: upwards of 1,400 gallons in 24 hours! It’s important to access your water valve immediately after a burst pipe is noticed. Shaving even a few minutes off the water damage can reduce lots of damage.
Restroom Water Damage
Deal with an overflowing plumbing fixture like a clogged toilet is something business owners will likely encounter – especially if you see a high volume of people using your restroom facilities regularly.
While shutting off the water supply, unclogging the toilet, and wiping up the excess water flooding your restroom may seem like enough to help you move on and reopen your bathroom, this is far from all that should be done. Professional water damage restoration is a must!
Grey Water Damage Requires Professional Restoration
Seek out professional restoration services instead to ensure a professional inspection, clean up, and repair of your commercial restroom – and ensure that your employees and staff can safely return to your business.
Water damage from toilets and other fixtures and lines dealing with sewage is considered black water damage, meaning the water is full of bacteria and other contaminants. Attempting any kind of do-it-yourself water repair can easily leave behind large amounts of moisture and hidden damage, leading to further problems down the road and even more repairs.
What Should I Do if My Business Has Water Damage?
As soon as water enters your business or water damage is spotted, be sure to:
- Act Quickly – Immediately seeking out restoration services for water damage doesn’t only help you get started on your restoration plan as soon as possible, but doing so will also aid in reducing the overall amount of damage your home takes.
- Relocate Employees – Whether the entirety of your business has been flooded or just a small part has been affected by a plumbing leak, it’s important to relocate employees and assess your operational plan. If you have a business continuity plan, it’s time to get started.
- Seek Out Professional Restoration – Above all, seek help from a professional restoration company in Cordova. Your business’s safety is important!
Don’t Wait – Request Your Cordova Commercial Water Damage Restoration Services Today!
If you need any commercial damage restoration services in the Memphis Metro area, turn to ServiceMaster by Cornerstone for help! We will respond quickly and do what’s right so you can restore your business to its pre-loss conditions to get your life back to normal as soon as possible.
And in the case that your water damage has been left unchecked for quite some time, we can assist with any mold remediation your property needs to welcome back employees and customers to a healthy and safe environment.
Restore your business with confidence – contact us online to consult with our professionals on your Cordova water damage restoration!
