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How to Tell If You Have A Water Leak

Flood Damage
Author: ServiceMaster Restore

Water leaks can be a serious problem for any building, but particularly a place of business. Since many office buildings are unoccupied over the weekend, a water leak that goes unnoticed on Friday can turn into a huge flooding problem by Monday. Learn how to find water leaks before they become a big, costly problem from the experts at ServiceMaster Restore®.

How to Recognize a Water Leak

Leaky pipes, faulty toilets and other plumbing issues can escalate into something extremely serious if they’re not identified and repaired in time. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to catch a possible water leak before it becomes a flood. Here are some tips on how to identify signs your water is leaking at your place of business:

  • Listen carefully for the sound of running or dripping water coming from faucets and toilets. If the water is off and you’re still hearing water flow or drip, there could be a faulty section of pipe, bad plumbing component or another issue at play.
  • Every week, have your employees do a quick check of the floors and ceilings around their work areas. Consistently wet carpet, concrete or ceiling tile is a telltale sign of an ongoing leak.
  • An unusual drop in water pressure can be a sign your water is leaking somewhere in the building. Call a plumber to come and assess the difference in pressure to determine if it is, in fact, a leak.
  • Check all toilets regularly. Burst supply lines, faulty seals and overflow from a constantly running toilet can all spell trouble.
  • Use water leak sensors throughout the building. These sensors will sound an alarm if they detect the presence of water, helping you pinpoint the location of the leak and allowing you to stop it before it becomes too severe. Install them in server or network closets, record rooms, and other sensitive areas to protect your most valuable assets.

You’ve Found a Water Leak – Now What?

If you’ve confirmed that there is a leak in your office, it’s important to follow proactive measures to prevent the damage from getting worse. Take these easy steps to stave off a serious emergency:

  • Immediately turn off the water to leaking fixtures or the entire building if necessary. This will restrict the potential for damage until the leak can be repaired.
  • If you can’t stop the flow of water, call a licensed plumber right away.
  • Move files and important assets to a dry area of the building. It’s always recommended that you keep all records stored electronically with copies saved in the cloud or off-site, or that you have duplicate physical records stored in two separate places.
  • Have a contingency plan in case flooding has occurred over the weekend. This could mean allowing employees to temporarily work from home, or choosing an alternate office location until the damage can be repaired.

Water leaks at your place of business can cause unwanted stress and, if left untreated, substantial damage. By catching leaks early, your property and assets can be better protected. If your business experiences a serious water leak, let the professionals at ServiceMaster Restore assist with the recovery and restoration process. We’re here 24/7/365 to help answer your questions and get your business back to normal as soon as possible. Contact us anytime to learn how our expert restoration services can get you back on your feet after a flood.

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