Are there signs or indicators that suggest potential water damage issues in your building? Water damage in commercial buildings can be both costly and disruptive. Water leaks can contribute to water damage, with the three primary sources being pipes, weather, and fixtures & appliances.
Left unchecked, water damage can severely impact your building’s structural integrity, functionality, and financial stability. Understanding the root causes is key to implementing preventive measures, such as using water leak sensors, which can save both time and money in the long run.
While water leak sensors detect potential leaks early, it’s essential to recognize the common sources of water damage first. Let's explore these causes in more detail.
Water Damage from Fixtures & Appliances
Commercial buildings often suffer from water damage due to faulty fixtures and appliances. Below are the key areas to watch out for:
HVAC Systems
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are crucial in most commercial spaces, but they can also cause significant water damage.
Moisture builds up as warm humid air passes over the cold evaporator coils when the AC runs. If everything works correctly that water drains out of the building. If left unchecked, they can lead to uncontrolled humidity, mold growth, and structural issues.
Boilers
Boilers are another common source of leaks. In the U.S., 581,000 commercial buildings use boilers. This represents about 12% of the 4.7 million commercial buildings!
Common issues like corroded valves, damaged seals, and excessive pressure can lead to undetected leaks that drive up both water and energy bills. These leaks can also compromise the boiler’s efficiency, further increasing operational costs.
Toilets & Faucets
Leaky toilets and faucets are widespread sources of water waste. In fact, about 20% of all toilets leak, and a single faulty toilet can waste up to 7,200 gallons of water per day. Leaky faucets can waste up to 3,000 gallons per year, and when multiplied across multiple fixtures in a commercial building, the water loss can be staggering.
Sprinklers
Sprinklers are vital for fire safety in commercial buildings but are vulnerable to leaks. Common causes include equipment failure, corrosion, or damaged sprinkler heads.
Fire suppression systems within a building should be regularly inspected, but that isn't always the case. Since sprinkler pipes are often hidden within walls, leaks can go unnoticed for long periods, leading to costly repairs.
Water Damage from Pipes
Leaking pipes can cause significant damage to your building’s structure, often leading to mold growth and other serious issues. Below are the top causes of pipe-related water damage:
Broken Seals
Seals around water connectors prevent leaks at pipe joints, but over time, these seals can deteriorate. A major failure can leave water leaking out of the pipe. Even a small break in a seal may create condensation and leave puddles forming around pipes, which, if left unchecked, can cause structural damage.
Corrosion
After years of use, metal pipes can corrode. Corroded pipes are prone to cracks and holes that allow water to leak. Unfortunately, corrosion is usually internal, meaning leaks often go undetected until the damage becomes significant.
Excessive Water Pressure
Excessive water pressure puts stress on pipes, leading to cracks and leaks, especially at weak points. Failure typically occurs at faucets and valves, which may fail prematurely. Property managers must regularly monitor and adjust water pressure to avoid pipe failures.
Rapid Temperature Changes
Sudden changes in temperature cause pipes to expand and contract, which can weaken them over time. In a hard freeze, water expands as it turns to ice, which can lead to cracks and leaks, requiring costly repairs.
Water Damage from Weather
Weather can wreak havoc on your commercial building, causing damage from the roof to the basement. Here are the primary weather-related causes of water damage:
Precipitation
Heavy rain or snow can cause roof leaks, especially in commercial buildings with HVAC systems, skylights, and vents.
These create extra points of entry for water. Additionally, walls often have extra openings for plumbing and electrical systems, making the building more susceptible to leaks during extreme weather.
Flooding
Floods are particularly destructive and can cause massive damage, especially in basements. Repairing a flooded basement can cost up to $85,000, and the structural damage it causes can jeopardize the building’s safety.
Many businesses use basements to store valuable inventory or equipment, making floods even more costly. Installing water leak sensors near basement windows can alert you before water damage becomes severe, potentially saving thousands of dollars in repairs.
Final Thoughts on Water Damage in Commercial Buildings
Water damage can severely impact the structure and functionality of commercial buildings.
The most common causes—fixtures, pipes, and weather—can all be mitigated with proactive measures like regular maintenance and the installation of water leak sensors. These sensors notify you of leaks as soon as they happen, allowing you to take action before the damage worsens.
Perceptive Things® offers four types of water leak sensors: Droplet Solo™, Droplet Duo™, Droplet Pro™, and Droplet Zone™. Each sensor is designed to detect leaks early, preventing the costly damage caused by water in commercial buildings.
Have you ever faced water damage in your building? What preventive measures do you think could help solve this issue?
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