5 Common Water Issues in Commercial Buildings

9/13/2019 (Permalink)

Water can cause costly cleanup issues for any property owner, the costs of liquid from leaking pipes can become extensive.

Just like residential buildings, commercial properties require water and sewer maintenance. Business owners and building supervisors know that what may begin as a small leak can quickly turn into a nightmare of running water if left unattended. But older buildings in Knoxville, TN, can have more problems than leaking pipes and a stopped toilet. Here are five of the most common water issues in commercial buildings.

Silent Mold

Where there is leaking water, there is often signs of mold. Since spores are in the air all the time, it is an accepted consequence of nature to have spores seek out water in a dark spot in a commercial building in order to grow a new colony.

Broken Foundation

Any building’s foundation can develop cracks as it ages, and this is especially true of the huge cement base supporting a commercial structure. Rainwater may seep into the cracks and plant roots can further weaken the structure.

Cracked Sewer

The cast iron drain lines used in most commercial buildings are designed to last up to 25 years. As they age, the pressure of sewer gasses and chemical cleaners can cause a toilet backup or a very costly pipe break.

Leaking Water

Water pipes can leak, and when they do, the damage the liquid may cause can be extensive. From wood rot to equipment damage to basement flooding, leaking pipes causing an excess of water in any commercial building is never a good thing.

Fractured Copper

Copper pipes can develop miniature cracks which may allow water to drip until the liquid forces the pipe to fracture. If caught before a break occurs, the lines can often be soldered instead of needing to be replaced.

Water can cause costly cleanup issues for any property owner, but in a large commercial building, the costs of liquid from leaking pipes can become extensive. Having a water damage specialist check the area for hidden signs of damage in a yearly maintenance routine can prevent possible flooding and mold issues.