Businesses: Prevent Water Damage

1/20/2017 (Permalink)

To prevent water damage have an emergency response plan in place.

In most cases you can prevent water damage at your business. But it requires planning and preparation. Being prepared can save you large expenses and more importantly, keep your business running so there’s not business interruption.

In general, if your commercial property fits one or more of these descriptions your building may be at higher risk for water damage:
•    20+ years old
•    High-rise with multiple tenants or units
•    Uses newer construction materials
•    Is exposed to seasonal extremes or geographic-based events
•    Has not been properly maintained
 
Your best bet for preventing water damage is to have a written, up-to-date water damage prevention program. If you need one and don’t have one, here’s a quick checklist of some items to consider:

1. Have A Plan
Have a building emergency response plan in place. Conduct annual drills.

2. Inspect The Roof
Check the commercial building’s roof for: sealants around the HVAC systems, flashing around skylights, stack vents, drains, downspouts, and other rooftop elements. Is everything in good condition? Are there pools of water? From inside the building do you see water stain marks? From inside can you see daylight where you should not see it?

Water Damage? Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at 860-461-7194

3. Inspect The Windows
Check your business’s windows annually for tightness, weather-stripping, broken or cracked panes, weak flashing, and other signs of wear.

4. Check Exterior Walls
Are all openings (plumbing, heating, lighting, fire alarms, vents, etc.) sealed against water?  Do the walls themselves need re-pointing or sealing?

5. Fix Small Issues
Repair small leaks promptly. And analyze the cause of any leaks to see if they are symptoms of a system-wide problem.

6. Keep The Maintenance Crew Informed
Instruct occupants, employees, and other people who regularly use your commercial building to immediately notify maintenance when any type of dripping, leakage, or clogged drains are found.

Water Damage? Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at 860-461-7194

7. Keep Pipe Records Updated
Be sure pipe diagrams or prints up to date and that they show the location of valves for all liquid carrying systems. Make certain your building maintenance staff knows where the diagrams are kept and that the diagrams are well labeled and easy to reach.

8. Check Shut Off Valves
At least once year check all shut off valves. They should be closed and reopened and lubricated as needed so you know they can be quickly closed during an emergency.

9. Train Your Staff
 Have someone available on all shifts trained to respond immediately to any leak or water damage. And have someone immediately available at all times with authorization (24/ 7) to call and bring in the professional clean up and restoration companies like SERVPRO of Manchester.

10. Do Regular Maintenance
Create a systematic maintenance schedule. Include a written plan for maintenance updates of your commercial property, the building’s equipment, and its systems. Proper maintenance prevents excessive wear and tear and helps avoid catastrophes.


We Have More Ways To Help You
The professionals at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield are commercial property water damage restoration experts. We've served clients in:

•    Bolton
•    Chestnut Hill
•    Columbia
•    Coventry
•    Ellington
•    Hebron
•    Hop River
•    Lebanon
•    Manchester
•    Mansfield
•    Mansfield Center
•    Somers
•    South Windham
•    Stafford
•    Vernon
•    Willington
•    Windham
•    Willimantic
And beyond
   
 Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860-461-7194) anytime, 24/7.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call (860)461-7194
24-hour emergency service