Understanding Water Damage and Why Commercial Water Removal Is Necessary After a Flood

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: Water removal should happen as soon as possible after flooding. Unattended water buildup increases the resulting damage with each passing hour. Keep reading to learn key water damage statistics and learn why professional water removal is a must-have after a flood.

Water Damage Statistics that Show Why Professional Water Removal is Crucial for Businesses

Water damage to a commercial property can be costly following a disaster. The business owner must pay to replace damaged inventory and repair damaged floors and walls. Not to mention that business must shut down for this restoration to occur, resulting in lost revenue.

For information on efficient commercial water damage and water removal, contact SERVPRO of Coppell and West Addison, a local water damage restoration company that also offers mold, chemical, and fire restoration to businesses near Las Colinas, TX.

Types of Water Damage

There are three categories of water damage to property:

1. Category 1- Clean water refers to leaky pipes, overflowing sinks, and rain damage. This damage poses minimal risk to health if dealt with quickly.
2. Category 2 - Gray water refers to water damage from equipment leaks and chemical waste. This damage poses mild to severe risks.
3. Category 3 - Black water refers to sewerage, grease, oil, or flood water from rivers, lakes, and natural disasters. The likelihood of illness from contact or ingestion is greater than 90%. As such, professional water removal and sanitation is required.

Varying Degrees of Damage

Regardless of the kind of water damage, water buildup can cause worsening deterioration of health and personal property. Water damage can saturate floors and furniture within minutes while destroying inventory and equipment.

Within days, water damage allows mold and fungus growth. Wood furniture swells severely, and wood floors become unsalvageable.

Within weeks, the damaged property becomes hazardous and unlivable. Compromised structural integrity requires gutting down to the studs.

Increasing Costs

Water damage can occur from unknown leaks or natural disasters. Since 2005, insurance claims related to water damages have increased by 2% each year.

Floods are the primary cause of property damage claims. Nearly 99% of counties in the United States have experienced flooding since 1996, and flood insurance rates have increased each year. Even one inch of flood water damage can result in over $25,000 in damages. 

Undetected leaks can lead to colossal water waste and severe damage. A faulty toilet can lose 200 gallons of water each day. A one-eighth-inch crack in a pipe can lose 250 gallons of water each day. 

The number of water damage claims identifying greater than $50,000 in water damage restoration costs has doubled since 2005, and insurance companies spend $2.5 billion on damages each year.

Preventing Water Damage in Commercial Spaces

Preventing water damage requires a plan of action. It is possible to help prevent flooding requiring storm damage restoration.

Before a storm or hurricane hits, board windows and block doors with sandbags. Maintain and repair weak, aging, or damaged roofs to prevent catastrophic leaks during the storm.

Regularly inspect pipes for leaks, cracks, or signs of damage. Schedule regular water meter evaluations and be aware of unexpected increases in water consumption, which can indicate a leak.

A Premiere Water Damage Restoration Company | SERVPRO of Coppell and West Addison

Regardless of how it happens, handle water removal as soon as possible. Extensive water damage requires commercial cleaning services. SERVPRO of Coppell and West Addison understands water removal, providing 24-hour water and fire restoration services to ensure customer satisfaction, health, and safety.

Contact Team Shaw of SERVPRO of Coppell and West Addison at (972) 233-8400 in Coppell, TX, today for more information on water removal services.