Water damage mitigation is an important aspect of recovering a property after a storm. Springfield, IL businesses face seasonal risks such as spring storms, flash flooding, and frozen pipes. When this happens, it can lead to lost revenue, business interruption, mold growth, and property degradation.
Property owners dealing with water damage should find a professional company to assist them with reconstruction after commercial water damage. With years of experience in water damage repair, ServiceMaster DSI – Springfield, IL provides customers with quality water damage services. Our team can restore your property and remove any lingering traces of water damage.
Common Water Damage Risks for Springfield Businesses
- HVAC & Appliance Failures: Commercial water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers, and HVAC units can malfunction and cause water leaks.
- Sprinkler System Malfunctions: Automatic fire sprinklers can accidentally discharge or fail in emergencies. This results in excessive moisture that can cause mold growth and structural damage.
- Frozen or Burst Pipes in Winter: Freezing temperatures can freeze plumbing pipes, causing pipe bursts that cause rapid water intrusion and extensive flooring damage.
Early Prevention Strategies to Minimize Risk
Older, historic buildings in Mid-Illinois Medical District or Enos Park may experience water intrusion during heavy rainfall and tropical storms. To prevent this, locate and seal cracks in your foundation and walls. Epoxy injections and hydraulic cement are two effective options for preventing water damage.
Properties located near the Sangamon River or other floodplain zones may experience basement flooding during a storm. Installing a sump pump can prevent standing water in your basement. Sump pumps use built-in moisture detectors to begin extracting water from your basement during flooding. This prevents extensive flooring damage and foundation damage.
What to Do When Water Damage Happens
- Shut Off the Water Source (If Safe): Locate your water shut-off valve and turn off your building’s water supply immediately. This stops leaks and reduces the chances of electrocution.
- Move Valuables & Equipment: If you have any important electronics, files, and stock items, remove them from the area. These materials are far from immune from water damage, and too much moisture can cause malfunctions.
- Document the Damage: Your insurer will require you to take some pictures to send to them when filing a claim. To ensure you represent your damages accurately, take photos in all angles and lighting styles, and make a list of which areas of your building have been affected.
- Contact a Water Damage Specialist: Calling a water damage expert can ensure fast cleanup and mitigation. Quickly addressing water with a professional by your side is a great way to prevent long-term water damage issues such as mold.
- Alert Insurance Provider: Beginning the claims process as soon as possible is important to reach a swift outcome. Contact your insurer to let them know your business has experienced water damage. Next, begin collecting your evidence to submit.
- Secure the Property: Board-up or tarp vulnerable areas if there is any structural compromise. Professional tarping services can prevent roof leaks during rainfall.
Understanding the Costs of Inaction
- Business Downtime: Water damage can force temporary business closures that lead to lost revenue. However, a prolonged business closure can lead to much more than lost revenue. If your business is no longer available to your customers, they may become disgruntled and look for your services elsewhere.
- Mold & Air Quality Issues: Unaddressed moisture can turn into health hazards for staff and customers. Mold growth can cause respiratory issues, and long-term exposure to mold can cause serious health complications and persistent odors.
- Structural Deterioration: Prolonged moisture can deteriorate a structure. Moisture buildup weakens walls, flooring, and other building materials, resulting in a workplace that is potentially at risk of collapsing.
- Reputation Damage: A good reputation takes years to build, but it can be destroyed in seconds. Your customers and clients may lose confidence in what you have to offer if your business has visible mold growth or water damage. Business owners may permanently lose their clientele if they are forced to close their business for a long time due to water damage.
Water Mitigation Planning for Commercial Spaces
- Develop a Water Emergency Action Plan: In an emergency, everyone should know their role. Emergency action plans help prevent pandemonium and chaos during a hurricane or fire. Ensure your staff and customers are safe by assigning roles and teaching evacuation procedures.
- Know Your Shut-Offs & Access Points: All team members should know where key valves and breakers are. In severe cases of water damage, such as a burst pipe, shutting off the water can prevent excessive water usage and mold growth.
- Partner with a Trusted Restoration Company: Ensure fast service and effective water damage mitigation efforts. Hiring a professional water damage service can help mitigate your business’s water damage and begin the road to recovery.
- Backup Critical Date Offsite: In a digital age, protecting your business from loss of digital assets and operations is essential. Back up critical data and remove important hard drives and devices to prevent water damage that will permanently destroy your electronics.
- Evaluate Your Insurance Policy Annually: Property owners should know their insurance policies and review them on a yearly basis. Ensure you are covered in the vent of storm damage by confirming with your insurer. They can also help you understand the extent of your coverage.
Local Support When You Need It Most
Springfield’s diverse business community includes healthcare hubs, manufacturing plants, schools, small shops, and government buildings—all uniquely vulnerable to different types of water-related threats. Whether you’re operating near downtown or along Dirksen Parkway, quick action can make all the difference.
Our local team understands Springfield’s seasonal weather patterns, infrastructure challenges, and emergency response systems. Backed by industry-leading training and advanced technology, we’re equipped to help businesses bounce back faster after a disaster—minimizing downtime and protecting what matters most.
Keep Water Damage from Making Waves
Springfield businesses deserve to thrive—without disruption from unexpected water damage. By following prevention best practices and having a trusted mitigation team on your side, you’ll be ready to weather the storm. For expert support before, during, or after a water-related emergency, reach out to ServiceMaster DSI – Springfield, IL, for prompt assistance. Our local team is ready to bring your structure back to life by eliminating all signs of water damage. Call us today at 217-286-1483 to schedule an appointment with a member of our team.
