If a pipe bursts at your business, you are going to need to use money on repairs. Plus, you will lose revenue while your doors are closed. It is important that you know how to manage water damage in your commercial building. That way, you can stop the problem before the damage becomes insanely expensive to repair.
Water damage can be very harmful to small businesses. It can also lead to structural damage and mold appearing- which is more costly than the water damage repairs! You will need to have a reliable water damage restoration team on your side. Make sure to call Virginia Restoration Services when you need us for repairs!
We put together this guide to help you manage water damage in your Richmond business.
Let’s get started.
Know Where the Shut Off Valve Is
First, you need to know where the shut off valve is in your business. If a pipe bursts, you want to be able to stop the water right away. The main shut-off valve’s location should be something you know by heart.
Turning the valve off in an emergency will temporarily stop water from flooding your business. You will want to turn it off until we can arrive to fix the problem. Not knowing where the shut-off valve is means you need to spend time finding it- time that causes more costly damage!
Know Where Your Valuables Are
Every commercial building has some valuable items in it. Knowing where they are can help you retrieve them quickly. In cases where you can’t grab them, you at least will know what needs to be replaced.
If you think flooding is going to occur, you can move these valuable items up high. However, never put yourself into a risky situation! Flood water can be very hazardous- you will want to stay away from it at all costs. Water can carry dangerous substances and hold an electric charge.
Insulate All Exposed Pipes
Bursting pipes in the winter are one of the calls we receive the most. You can prevent this from happening to you by insulating your exposed pipes. When the temperature drops below freezing, uninsulated pipes can freeze and burst, leading to flooding.
Pipe insulation is cheap and will efficiently protect your pipes. We recommend that you insulate all of your exposed water pipes. While it may be a cost upfront, you are preventing thousands of dollars worth of water damage in the future.
We also recommend that you add our phone number to your contact’s list. If a pipe does happen to burst, you can contact us right away for Richmond restoration services. We always arrive right away to prevent more flooding and damage!
Keep the Heat On
It can be very tempting to turn the heat down in winter so that your business can save some money. However, this can be very damaging to your pipes- leading to flooding. While Richmond is usually warm, it means most people are not prepared for freezing temperatures.
You never want your thermostat to drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, even on days when your business is closed and no one is there. In fact, the worst time for a pipe to burst would be when the building is empty- no one would notice.
It helps if you regularly replace the batteries in your thermostat. That way, you know they are giving you accurate readings. If you want to be able to control the temperature from anywhere, you can also use a smart thermostat.
Have the Gutters Checked
Next, it is important you have the gutters on your business checked out at least once or twice a year. Leaves and other debris can block your building’s drainage systems. When your gutters overflow, massive amounts of damage are caused to the building’s structure.
You may want to start having your gutters cleaned by professionals regularly. It is another cost, but you will be saving your business thousands in potential water damage. Plus, it is safer to have pros handle gutter cleaning, as commercial buildings can be much higher than residential ones.
Clean the Roof
While you have your gutters cleaned, you might want to ask if the pros can clear your roof for you. Debris, water, and ice can build up on your roof, which causes the roof to become weaker over time. If too much debris buildup occurs, you could have a cave in.
Of course, you want to avoid that at all costs! Roof repair can be pricey and small businesses may struggle to cover the costs. If your building does receive damage, we are one of the best Richmond restoration companies in the area. You can trust us to handle all of the repairs swiftly.
Overall, having a pro check your roof out here and there can save you a lot of hassle down the line.
Seal Cracks
Cracks in your commercial building will cause cold air to enter. Drafts can also cause pipes to freeze on windy days, which could easily lead to a burst. To avoid that, simply take some time to seal the cracks in your building.
Doing so will also increase your insulation, preventing hot air from escaping. Plus, there will be less places for water to sneak inside of the building. There are many different types of sealants that you can try. Every small step you take will reduce the risk of bursting pipes in your business.
Make a Plan
Finally, you will want to have a solid plan ready in case of a flood or bust pipe. You can start by talking with pros about a water damage plan that can lower the amount of damage. From there, you should train all of your staff members.
Contact VRS!
If you need help coming up with a plan, be sure to contact Virginia Restoration Services! We have many years worth of experience and know the best steps for you to take. Contact us today at (804) 745-6131 when you need help preventing water damage!
