How to Inspect for Leaks & Avoid Costly Water Damage Repairs

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

Some water leaks are really hard to spot. Knowing what to look for is the key to mitigating costly water damage repairs to your commercial property.

Water damage can happen as a result of rainstorms and flooding. But there are many places inside your commercial property where water damage can occur. Small water leaks may seem more of a minor inconvenience than a major problem. But, over time, a small leak can cause significant damage and require costly water damage repairs.

You can mitigate damage from small water leaks by inspecting the areas where water damage is likely to occur. Where should you look?

Toilets

In a commercial property, toilets get a lot of use. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that toilets, including key parts like the gaskets, valves and flanges, suffer from wear and tear.

These components typically last for years, though they will wear out faster with more frequent use. Keeping track of the date of plumbing repairs will help you know when it's time to replace worn parts.

Of course, if your toilet is running, failing to flush, or you find dampness around the toilet, call a local plumber ASAP. An unexplained spike in your water bill could also be the sign of a problem with your toilets.

Faucets and Fixtures

Leaky faucets are also common in commercial buildings, and they often go unnoticed or neglected. The drip, drip, drip of a faucet may seem like a “small thing.” But did you know a single leaky faucet can waste several gallons of water every day?

Plus, over time, the water from a leaky faucet can damage fixtures, pipes, cabinets, floors and ceilings.

Ceilings and Floors

Speaking of, if you spot, well, spots on your ceiling, you may have a faulty, or absent, waterproofing membrane. This thin material is used to waterproof concrete slabs, roofs and floors. If improperly installed, of low quality or simply missing, water from plumbing leaks will seep directly into porous wood, drywall and tile.

Take a walk through your facility and look both up and down for signs of dampness on your floors and ceiling. If you find any, but are unsure of the source, call SERVPRO of North Hollywood. We have advanced moisture detection equipment to help pinpoint the source of the water damage. Our highly-trained water damage restoration techs can then clean up and restore the affected area to its preloss condition. Because if you don’t address such problem areas right away, the water damage can lead to mold growth and structural damage to your property.

Pipes and Plumbing Systems

Your water pipes can burst during cold weather (yes, even in Los Angeles), while your sewer drains and pipes deteriorate over time. Like leaky toilets and faucets, they can cause serious damage to your commercial building. They may require your business to close and the building to be evacuated. But these plumbing systems are behind walls and underground, so it can be challenging to detect leaks. 

But there are signs, if you know what to look for. One common sign of an underground plumbing leak is wet soil. You may notice areas of your landscaping where plants and grass are growing faster or otherwise flourishing compared to other areas in your yard. 

Other signs are water stains, blistering paint, cracked or loose tiles, bulging walls, and grout gaps. You may also notice musty smells and a significant increase in your water bills. 

For this type of leak to be found and repaired, call a professional because specialized leak detection equipment is necessary.

HVAC Systems

Air conditioning units get a workout in the heat of a Los Angeles summer. There are also numerous places where water can build up or leak. Drip pans can fill up and overflow. Condenser coils and drainage lines can leak. Condensation can build up on nearby walls and cause mold. An annual HVAC system inspection and regular maintenance will help prevent these common issues.

Need Water Damage Repairs? Call SERVPRO of North Hollywood!

Regular inspection of your commercial facility is crucial to mitigate these common water leaks. By doing so, you can prevent more severe water damage while keeping your plumbing systems operating at peak condition.

If you do discover water damage to your building, SERVPRO North Hollywood offers emergency water damage repair service. We're here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our highly-trained restoration specialists are available for any size commercial property in North Hollywood, Universal City, Toluca Lake, and Los Angeles. Call us at (818) 754-0050 and make commercial water damage "Like it never even happened."