A leaky pipe can quickly affect your business operations, creating unsafe spaces for employees and customers. Knowing what to do in this situation is crucial to saving money, avoiding workplace accidents, and providing a good customer experience.
Most Common Causes of Leaky Pipes in Commercial Spaces
Most commercial plumbing systems are specifically designed to handle more water than residential systems. Because of this, the pipes tend to experience extra wear from increased stress on pipes, fittings, and valves, which makes them more prone to leaking. If you ever spot corrosion on the pipes or fittings, have them inspected right away. They most likely need to be replaced to reduce the risk of leaks.
Besides corrosion from years of water exposure, leaks can occur in commercial spaces for these reasons:
- Grease buildup from commercial kitchens
- Chemical exposure
- Forklift or cart impacts
- Rooftop HVAC condensate issues
- High water pressure demands
- Commercial dishwasher discharge
- Backflow preventer failures
- Mechanical room vibration
How Leaky Pipes Affect Your Business
Leaky pipes do much more than create workplace hazards. They also affect the appearance of your business when the water soaks into drywall, flooring, and ceilings. If you don’t get the leak fixed quickly, mold may start to grow and spread to other areas. When a leak occurs near electrical equipment, it can damage computers, TVs, and point-of-sale systems. It may also ruin your office furniture and keep your employees from being able to complete their daily tasks.
Turn Off the Water Supply
The first thing to do when you spot a leak is to turn off the water supply. This can significantly reduce the amount of damage that occurs.
Where to turn off the water supply depends on the location and source of the leak. If you know it’s coming from a sink or toilet, you can turn off the water supply to that specific fixture. If you’re not sure where it’s coming from, turn off the main water supply to the whole building.
Call a Plumber
Next, call a licensed plumber who has years of experience dealing with commercial water leaks. Let them know you need same-day service. Be as specific as you can about the source of the leak to help them prepare for addressing it.
Secure the Area
Once you have a plumber en route, secure the area so that no one slips and falls. If the leak is near electrical outlets or equipment, don’t try to move anything yourself. Just put up a barrier to keep everyone away from the affected area.
Clean Up as Much Water as Possible
While you’re waiting for the plumber to arrive, clean up as much water as you can so to protect your business tools and equipment. First, soak up the water with towels. Then, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the remaining water, and turn on several fans to further dehumidify the air. The more water you clean up, the lower the risk of damage spreading to other parts of the building.
Never put off calling a plumber when you have a leaky pipe. Even small leaks can result in costly damage and disrupt your operations. A plumber can use a variety of repair techniques to help minimize downtime, so you won’t have to worry about major loss of revenue or disappointed customers. Contact us at Marshall Services in Skippack, PA for reliable, prompt emergency plumbing services.