Protect Your Commercial Buildings from Water Damage Due to Plumbing Leaks

12/29/2017 (Permalink)

Plumbing leaks in properties with multiple stories, such as office buildings and hotels in the North Dallas area, can be more destructive if someone does not turn off the water supply immediately once the leak is found. The property damage that results can end up in business interruption loss, as well as potential liability claims by tenants, guests, and other property owners.

If the leak takes place within normal business hours and there is a maintenance staff present, they will typically shut off the water supply. However, if it happens after hours, and there is no maintenance stuff, the employees who are currently there may not know what they should do.

To minimize losses, it helps to know emergency water damage guidelines. The following steps can be taken to examine property and set procedures.

Examine your property
Begin by inspecting the following areas of the building at least once every month to look for dampness:
    •    Water distribution systems, particularly galvanized and steel plumbing. Make a note of the condition and age of these systems.
    •    Underground parking, and other areas that cannot drain. These places may need portable or fixed pumps for emergency purposes.
    •    Fountains, pools, and other special water features.

Come up with emergency guidelines
Create a loss mitigation plan to which employees need to adhere when they detect a leak. It should be comprised of written guidelines that cover the following:
    •    A procedure for going through initial and annual training on the procedures with tenants and employees, so they know what to do in case of a water leak.
    •    The locations of water shut-off valves and directions on closing them. Add a floor plan or diagram if it is possible.
    •    Assigned procedures for shutting off sprinkler systems, including employees who can access the riser rooms.
    •    An emergency contact list with contact information for plumbers, maintenance staff, tenants, electricians, and water mitigation service vendors.
    •    Emergency contact information for the local water utility company
    •    Emergency contact information for your broker or agent
    •    Any other parties who could possibly be involved
    •    Locations of any key operating systems, as well as essential records and services
    •    Offsite storage of any essential documentation
    •    Procedures for relocation and movement of items, if applicable.
    •    Written procedures to be followed in the event of closing of the facility, shutdown of equipment, and evacuation.
    •    Procedures to take care of any issues developed in the process of building assessment.

Get in touch with your insurance agent:
    •    Arrange a preloss consultation with agent on mitigation of water. If necessary, this could be a joint meeting that includes a water mitigation vendor as well.
    •    Put in an automatic leak detection system, which will detect leaks and then shut off the water supply. Policyholders may get discounts from preferred vendors.
    •    Get in touch with your agent to see if it is possible to schedule infrared thermal imaging for your property. This technology is non-invasive and we'll be able to sense minuscule leaks from the roof and inside the walls of the building.
    •    Having a plan in place can minimize water damage Houston to the building and items within. This can help prevent a business interruption loss as well. If you would like to know more, call your insurance agent.

Commercial Building Restoration Services

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