Water damage can have a major impact on businesses and residential property. It is impossible to predict water damage; however, if you are vigilant, you can keep an eye out for the corresponding signs and prevent significant losses. 

Understanding the different facts about water damage can be crucial when alleviating its concern or preventing it altogether.

In this blog post, we’ll be detailing the causes of water damage, the types of damage water can cause, and the steps businesses need to take to clean up after a water damage event. Keep reading to learn more!

Causes of water damage

Water damage can happen to any office, regardless of its size or construction. The most common causes of water damage in offices are dripping, splashing, and humidity issues. To prevent water damage from happening, be sure to fix the problem as quickly as possible.

Additionally, be aware of moisture and mold issues. Moisture can overgrow in an environment with little ventilation, and mold can cause various health problems, including asthma and allergies. If you notice water damage in your office, don’t hesitate to contact a professional to get it fixed.

Types of water damage

Water damage can come in many different forms, and it’s important to know the different types so you can prevent it. The most common types of water damage are clean water damage, grey water damage, and black water damage.

Clean water damage results from water spilling or leaking from the property onto the ground.

Grey water damage results from water being used for various purposes, like washing dishes or clothes and then splashing or leaking onto the ground.

Black water damage is the result of water that has been contaminated with sewage, hazardous materials, or chemicals.

Knowing the different types of water damage and the main type of damage it causes can help you take the proper steps to prevent it.

The damage water can cause

Water damages items such as furniture, electronics, and paintings-even if they’re not wet at the time. A leak in your plumbing can lead to a lot of damage-from toilets that don’t flush, dripping water onto the flooring, and flooding.

It’s vital to be proactive in preventing water from damaging your office-take steps, like caulking pipes and fixing broken tiles. In the end, the damage water can cause is real, and it’s important to be aware of the risks so you can take the proper precautions.

How to handle commercial water damage cleanup?

Commercial water damage cleanup can be daunting, but with the suitable precautions in place, it can be done successfully. 

The most important thing to remember is to move valuables and people out of the area as quickly as possible, and this will help prevent injuries and damage to property.

Secondly, shut off all electrical circuits and appliances before beginning the cleanup process. Lastly, water damage can happen to any business, but there are a few things you can do to help increase your chances of preparing for the event.

For example, add water damage restoration contractors to your fire insurance policy and ensure your business is adequately insured for water damage.

When cleaning up commercial water damage, it is crucial to be as safe as possible. Always protect yourself and your valuables by wearing protective clothing and equipment, like gloves, a face mask, and a dust mask. Also, contact a professional water damage cleanup company as soon as possible to get started on restoring your property.

Address the source of the damage

If you find yourself in the tricky situation of cleaning up commercial water damage, follow these simple guidelines. By using a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the area and stop mold and bacteria growth, you’ll be able to speed up the cleanup process considerably.

If professional help is required, our team of experienced professionals can handle the entire cleanup quickly and effectively. Always determine the source of water damage – if it is from a burst pipe, for example, then address the source soon.

Call your insurance company

If you are dealing with commercial water damage cleanup, it is essential to follow these simple steps to ensure a smooth and trouble-free process.

Immediately call your insurance company to file a claim.

Assess the damage and document all of it – this will help the company determine the extent of the damage and the necessary resources needed for the cleanup.

Keep a close eye on the cleanup progress – you may need to adjust your plan to accommodate unforeseen circumstances.

Finally, get estimates from various professionals and stick to their budget – you don’t want any unexpected costs coming your way later on.

Restore utilities and equipment to working order

If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having to handle commercial water damage. You should do a few things to make the restoration process go as smoothly as possible.

First and foremost, turn off any electrical appliances that are not essential for the restoration process. This includes equipment such as refrigerators and air conditioners. If breakers have been tripped, reset them before proceeding.

Once all appliances have been turned off, remove any evidence of the flood – furniture, clothing, carpets, etcetera. Soaking wet items will only worsen the damage.

Make sure to isolate the affected area and prevent further water damage by using plastic sheeting or tarps.

If repairing damaged pipes or fixtures is required, be sure to use qualified contractors who are experienced in these types of repairs. Once services have been restored, and the area has been inspected for further damage, it’s time to call in the professionals!

Remove all contaminated materials

Once you have determined the extent of the damage, start by removing all contaminated materials. Use a specialized vacuum cleaner to remove debris and soil while water jetting to clean any remaining surfaces or objects that may be contaminated. Make sure to use protective gear and avoid contact with water droplets or residual water in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the most common ways water damage can affect a business?

Typical water damage causes can include flooding, broken pipes, and water contamination.

What are some of the most common signs that water damage has occurred?

Water damage can occur in a variety of ways, and the signs can vary depending on the type of water damage, so it’s vital to seek professional help if you notice any of the following: 

– wet objects or surfaces 

– accumulation of water on furniture 

– wet carpet 

– wet wood

Water damage can cause a wide range of damage to your property indoors and outdoors. Overlooking necessary precautions or not acting quickly could lead to the temporary closing of the business premises, which often doubles your loss. Think ahead to avoid this at all costs.