Common Leaks Found On Commercial Property

When you open up your building to find water everywhere, you know it’s going to be one of those days. Fortunately, there is a solution to almost any of your water problems – as long as you seek the right help on time. How to know if you have a plumbing leak? In this post, we will be helping you identify common water damage issues.

Water damage is most commonly associated with floods or big storms, but there are other more pesky sources that are more tricky to diagnose for the untrained eye. In this article, we are rounding up four of the problems we have encountered in our 20+ years of experience in water damage and water remediation to help you get the right help, at the right time.

• Toilet Leaks

Heavy use in public facilities makes toilets one of the most infamous causes of water leaks in a commercial building. The constant flow –excuse the pun– of people using the toilet facilities means that the seals and parts wear down much more quickly than a toilet destined for home use.

As long as a toilet leak is identified quickly, it is easy to remediate. The parts are not expensive and the flow of water is not sufficient to wreak havoc if the repairs are carried out in a timely fashion. The main problem with a toilet leak is the waste of water – both for the planet and for your pocket. 

1. Faucet Leaks

Similarly to toilets, heavy use of sinks in a commercial property requires a higher level of maintenance in order to prevent water damage. Worn down washers or cracked sealants can leave a constant flow of water, damaging both the environment and your pocket. We have also seen vandalism where bathroom facilities have been deliberately flooded.

The best thing to do once you identify a leaky faucet is to check the washers, the sealant surrounding the finishings and the pipes supplying the water to identify where the problem may be coming from. It is always a good idea to let the professionals see to this, to avoid exacerbating the problem or despite your best intentions, not solving the problem in the first place.

2. Roof Leaks

Particularly after a storm, roof leaks are a pretty common sight to see. The constant drip is, of course, the tell-tale sign that your roof is damaged, but there are other more discrete signs, and the water damage associated with these is often much worse. Mold signifies water damage over time due to a small leak, and if there is a musty smell on the upper floors and no sign of mold, you can be certain that water is inside your building.

In these cases, it is of paramount importance that you call in the experts to assess the damage. Mold inside the walls, particularly if you haven’t noticed it before, could have been growing for any amount of time. Structural damage may have occurred. A team of professionals like Superdry will use specialist equipment to detect any structural damage and ensure the safety of the individuals that use the commercial property.

3. Plumbing Leaks

Water damage from plumbing leaks is not always easy to identify. If you have noticed a difference in water pressure from your faucets, there may be a crack in the supply lines. Also, if you notice mold or that musty smell again, the damaged pipes may not be underground but in your supply line, in walls, or between floors. Keep an eye out for a change in the feel of the flooring, too.

Another reason to suspect a plumbing leak is an unexplained, high water bill. These are all tell-tale signs that there is a plumbing problem that needs your immediate attention. At Superdry, we can professionally dry and treat the areas of your commercial property to prevent the spread of mold and ensure structural integrity, keeping everyone in your property safe. 

4. Common Signs of Water Damage

While you may associate water damage with floods and storms, there are seemingly smaller, more discrete sources of water damage that need just as much attention, if not more. Flooding is easy to diagnose. But if you notice the following changes, be sure to call us for a proper diagnosis:

• Smell or see mold
• Blistering paintwork
• Soft flooring
• Overly wet grass if your commercial property has a garden
• An unsecured toilet
• Dripping faucets
• A change in water pressure
• Bulging walls
• Damp spots
• A change in air quality
• Water entering the property during or after rainfall

It is important to act fast, not only to guarantee the correct preservation of your building but to save you time and money further down the line, as well as protect the integrity of the people that use your commercial property on a daily basis.

Call us for an assessment and keep your commercial property Superdry!