Dealing with retail store water damage can be a daunting task. It creates a big mess and can even lead to dangerous mold growth and foundational issues if not dealt with quickly and properly.
Thankfully, we’re here to help.
At ServiceMaster of Lake Shore, we help retail stores across Chicago, IL recover from water damage each week with our commercial water damage restoration services.
We've put this guide to help business owners like you know what to do if you find water damage in your store.
Let’s dive in.
What Causes Water Damage in Chicago Retail Stores?
Unfortunately, there are a variety of potential causes for water damage in the Windy City.
No matter what kind of damage you’re dealing with, it’s important to know the cause so your business can properly be restored in a timely fashion.
1. Roof Leaks
Roof leaks can happen for several reasons, from faulty roofing materials to improper maintenance.
If left unchecked, a small roof leak can turn into a significant problem, causing water damage to merchandise, equipment, and even the building itself.
If you’ve never gotten your roof checked or you know it’s been several years, it’s worth it to hire a contractor or roofer to examine it and make sure you’re not susceptible to leaks.
2. Sewage Backups
Sewage backups are caused by clogs in the sewer lines. That can happen due to anything from grease and debris to tree roots.
If you have a sewage backup in your store, it is essential to call a professional like ServiceMaster of Lake Shore in downtown Chicago to remove the sewage and restore your space.
It’s also a good idea to call your landlord or the city itself to figure out why the backup occurred and what you can do in the future to prevent it from happening again.
3. Appliance Leaks
A faulty seal or hose often causes water damage from appliance leaks. It can happen with any appliance, from refrigerators to dishwashers to water heaters.
These issues are more likely to occur in foodservice businesses but can happen anywhere appliances are used.
Regular maintenance can help to prevent leaks and other appliance issues.
4. Burst or Leaking Pipes
Pipes that leak or burst are often caused by freezing, corrosion, or simply old age.
This can be an especially common problem in the winter – and we all know how harsh winters can be here in Chicagoland!
If a pipe bursts in your store, turn off the water immediately and call ServiceMaster of Lake Shore for burst pipe water damage cleanup.
Checking your pipes regularly can help to avoid these issues (e.g. getting them replaced if they look old and rusty), but some things can’t be prevented.
5. Firefighters Battling a Fire
If your store is in the vicinity of a large fire or if you’ve recently experienced a fire at your retail location, the water used to put out that blaze could cause damage to your building’s exterior, or even the interior if windows break from the pressure.
While it’s better than losing everything to a nearby blaze, it’s still a costly inconvenience.
6. Flooding
Flooding can be caused by heavy rains or thunderstorms. We may not get hurricanes or many tornadoes in Chicago, but we can certainly get some heavy storms and rain.
Even rapidly melting snow from an ice dam can cause flooding and lead to damage in your store. In such cases, call ServiceMaster of Lake Shore for ice dam water damage cleanup services.
What to Do if You Have Water Damage at Your Retail Store in Chicago, IL
Though water damage can be a frightening and frustrating experience, the most important thing to remember is to stay calm and take action.
Follow these steps to keep yourself and your employees safe, and to ensure your store gets back to working order as quickly as possible.
- Identify what is causing the water damage. Water leaks can come from several sources, so it is crucial to identify the cause as quickly as possible. This will help you decide on the best course of action. Some of the best places to check for leaks are the roof, ceilings, walls, and any water appliances. In some cases, a local plumber may need to be called to help identify the source of the leak.
- Shut off the water. Once you identify the source of the leak, turn off the water immediately. It will help minimize the damage and prevent any further water damage. It is imperative to shut off the water main in the case of a burst pipe. If you’re not sure where your main water line is or how to shut it off, contact a trusted plumber or your landlord if you’re renting your business space.
- Contact your insurance company. Most water damage is covered by insurance, so it is essential to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They will send out an adjuster to look at the damage and help you file a claim.
- Call ServiceMaster of Lake Shore. As soon as you have contacted your insurance company, call ServiceMaster of Lake Shore for commercial water damage restoration services in Chicago, IL. Our certified technicians are always available to provide you with the assistance you need. Contact us now: (312) 707-8597
Will My Commercial Insurance Cover the Damage?
Having to pay for restoration for water damage can be costly, but the good news is that most commercial insurance policies will cover at least some of the damage.
It is important to insure your business with water damage coverage, as well as business income and fire coverage.
Water damage can happen unexpectedly and can interfere with your daily operations. The last thing you want is to deal with debt from damage while you’re trying to regain your footing.
Business income insurance can help you cover the cost of lost income if your business is forced to close temporarily due to water damage.
Fire insurance will help cover the cost of damage caused by a fire that was started by the water damage. A great example of this is if a pipe bursts and starts a fire.
Many commercial insurance policies will cover water damage caused by leaks, floods, and sewage backups. Contact your insurance company to see if you are covered and for how much.
Once you get a claim number, the next step is to call ServiceMaster of Lake Shore for water damage restoration services. (312) 707-8597
Does Your Chicago Retail Store Have Water Damage? We’re Here to Help!
There can be an enormous unfavorable impact on your business if you have water damage in your Chicago retail store. The damage can be costly to repair, but it can also force you to close your store temporarily.
The last thing you want to happen is having to close down your store for a lengthy repair. That’s why it’s essential to take action right away.
We are a commercial restoration contractor in Chicago that helps many types of retail stores, including some of the city’s biggest and best shopping centers, convenience stores, specialty stores, and even supermarkets.
No matter the size of your store, we have the experience and knowledge to help you deal with commercial water damage and get back up and running as quickly as possible.
ServiceMaster of Lake Shore has been providing water damage restoration services in Chicago, IL for over 50 years. We have the experience of restoring commercial water damage and getting your business back in operational status.
Call us today at (312) 707-8597 so we can restore your store to pre-loss condition.
