3 Common Water Issues to Lookout For in Your Commercial Building

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

Cracked walls and uneven flooring may indicate a shifting foundation

Look For Signs of Water Issues

As you manage a commercial building in Berthoud, CO, you are likely to focus on day-to-day maintenance tasks like cleaning, stocking supplies, and maintaining common areas. When going about your routine management duties, look for signs of water issues lurking just below the surface. From leaking pipes to shifting floor tiles, minor indicators can serve as clues for early prevention. Catching these warning signs early-on may help you avoid the need for serious repairs or major flooding incidents down the road. Watch for these three common water issues in your commercial facility:

1. Bulging Walls and Ceiling Tiles

Don't discount stained ceiling tiles or bubbled walls as non-issues in your commercial building. As you get below the surface, these small problems may be evidence of a pipe break or leak. Leaking pipes can lead to flooding, mold and mildew in your facility if not addressed immediately.

2. Aged or Deteriorated Piping

In older facilities, piping material should be inspected for resilience and durability. While some piping, like PVC, is meant to last a lifetime, other materials age with time and can deteriorate. In buildings over 25 years old, inspect for piping materials including the following:

• Copper
• Cast iron
• Aluminum
  
  

3. Foundation Cracks or Movement

Cracked walls and uneven flooring may indicate a shifting foundation. Likewise, these could be signs of underground plant intrusion or moving ground. Foundation movement and root overgrowth may lead to the damage of buried pipe and sewage lines. Watch for cracks paired with toilet backup or other clogged plumbing issues as signs of damage.
When you spot leaking pipes or any other water concerns within your facility, address them immediately. If water damage takes place, call a professional to aid you in the cleanup. A commercial water restoration crew in your area has the equipment and experience needed to remove water and restore your facility to regular operation.