When you run your own business, there are many risks and potential causes of damage to be aware of. For your physical business property, water damage is a common risk that you need to mitigate. Before figuring out what type of insurance protection you need, you should look at the different sources of water damage and how to protect your business by preventing water damage.
Water Damage Problem Areas
You should be aware of the different areas of your business where the damage is likely to occur, before beginning to look for ways to reduce the risk of water damage. The first place you should be looking at is where you have appliances in your building. If you have a laundry room in the building, look at areas by the washers. Other appliances you might have in your businesses that tend to create water damage are kitchen appliances (refrigerators and dishwashers), air conditioning units, and water heaters. Any pipes or drains you have in the kitchen or bathroom can also cause water damage from clogs or roots in the sewer lines. Finally, look at the roof of your building to be sure there isn’t damage from things like rain, ice, wind, or snow which could prove to be problematic.
How to Protect Your Business From Water Damage
Not all cases of water damage can be prevented completely, but there are many ways to reduce the impact of the damage. Here are some tips for protecting your business from water damage:
Prevent Plumbing Links. In the bathroom and kitchen of your business, keep an eye
on any potential leaks from the plumbing. This means caulking and grouting around the toilet, sinks, and if you have a shower or bathtub in your business bathroom. Missing tiles also need to be replaced in the bathroom or kitchen.
Water-Resistant Structures. Double check that all of the building components in your business building are made with water resistant materials. This ensures that if you have excessive rain, snow or hail, that it won’t cause damage inside your building or to the outer structure of the building.
Hoses. Make sure all of the hose connections in your building are secure. This includes to appliances like air conditioning units, water heaters, washing machines, refrigerators, and dishwashers.
Water Pipes. Your building’s water pipes need to be properly insulated so that they do not get exposed to harsh, cold temperatures. These are often located in the basement or garage of your business building. This helps keep your pipes from freezing and cracking, which can cause severe water damage.
Leak Detection Systems. There are two leak detection systems that can also help, include a passive system and an active system. The passive leak detection system lets you know when there is a possible leak in your building and will sound an alarm. Active leak detection systems don’t just cause the alarm to sound, but can also help temporarily stop the water flow to prevent excessive water damage.
Don’t let water damage become a crushing blow to your business that can slow or halt your success. Take these proper precautions to guard your small business from water damage, and be sure to obtain enough business insurance coverage to mitigate any water damage risks.
