Cause of commercial water damage

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

Water Mitigation equipment

When a business owner imagines water damage, their mind might immediately go to a catastrophic storm that takes down trees and power lines, closes blocks of infrastructure and causes business closure. It is true that a good percentage of commercial water loss is caused by heavy rains and storms, particularly here in the wet climate of Portland, but that is far from the only cause of commercial water loss. Here at SERVPRO of NW Portland, we see the full spectrum of water damage on a daily basis. Below are a few common causes of water damage that we’ve seen that can affect your business.

Improperly Functioning Sprinkler System

As buildings age, their fire protection systems can become outdated and worn out. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), your sprinkler system’s internal piping system should be checked every 5 years. NFPA 25 outlines an industry standard inspection schedule. A fire protection system is crucial to any commercial building, but a malfunctioning system can cost your business in both damages, as well as business closures.

Broken Appliances or Equipment

This poses an issue in restaurant or catering industries, but can also affect any facility that uses appliances or tools that utilize water. A failing appliance can cause substantial damage, particularly if it fails on the off hours while your business is closed. A regular inspection of your appliances can save your business a lot of time and money.

Pipes & Plumbing

As in any building, broken and failing plumbing can result in water damage. Older buildings tend to be more susceptible to this sort of damage.

Sewer Line Back Up

We have previously covered some of the causes of sewage back up here. Sewage and other “Black Water” accidents can wreak havoc on your building and the products and furnishings therein. Special equipment and training is necessary when dealing with this sort of commercial water damage. Do not attempt to clean this sort of damage yourself.

If your business has encountered any of these scenarios, especially one that involves Black Water, call the professionals at SERVPRO of NW Portland today. Our team is IIRC certified and can get your business back up and running fast.