How To Safeguard Your Business From a Water Damage Claim

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

Insulate your pipe.

Detect Damaged Pipes and Minimize the Risk of Flooding

To help protect both their investment and financial security, it’s essential for every business owner in Dickinson, TX, to possess a commercial property insurance policy. Water damage resulting from leaking pipes is a common claim that often necessitates extensive cleanup and restoration efforts. Although aging infrastructure may complicate the situation, there are several proactive steps every business can take to help detect damaged pipes and minimize the risk of flooding.

Broken Pipes and Supply Lines

Water supply lines likely run throughout your building. In addition to sinks and toilets, water may also flow to and through a variety of equipment:

• Fire suppression system
  
• Water heater
  
• HVAC system
  
  

To help reduce the risk of leaks, you should schedule routine inspections of these vitals systems to verify the absence of obstructions, loose hose connections and defective components that may cause water seepage.

Frozen Pipes

During the winter, exposed pipes may be susceptible to freezing. Ice formation can increase pressure within the pipe, which may cause it to burst. To minimize the risk of damaged pipes, you should insulate exposed supply lines in uninsulated areas of your building and those near external walls.

Roof Leakage

In addition to leaking pipes, flooding can also arise if water seeps through a compromised roof. Completing routine rooftop evaluations can help you identify potential issues and commence necessary repairs before substantial leakage occurs.

It’s also important to take proactive steps to prevent the formation of ice dams during the winter. To alleviate this concern, you should routinely clear gutters of debris and ensure you have adequate insulation above your ceilings. Maintaining proper air circulation is also key.

Proactive Maintenance

Although most property insurance policies cover water damage, avoiding a claim is often preferable. While it may be difficult to detect damaged pipes inside walls, employing proactive maintenance procedures can help you identify and repair some potential flooding sources before significant destruction occurs.