SERVPRO: What are the common causes of water damage in hotels?

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

Blog summary: This SERVPRO blog dives into the usual causes of water damage in hotels that homeowners must watch out for.

Causes of water damage in hotels

A hotel requires constant maintenance and inspection to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises for the guests or the staff. The image and revenue of a hotel are dependent on its aesthetic and functional appeal. A minor leak left unaddressed in a hotel can damage the structure and expensive interiors, ruin guests’ possessions, affect electrical wiring that can become a fire hazard, and entail a massive repair cost that may or may not be covered by insurance. Consequently, all this means unhappy clients and damaged reputation. SERVPRO shares the common causes of water damage in hotels that hotel owners should watch out for.

1. Floods: Floods are a phenomenon that can’t be controlled or stopped. The only thing hotel owners can do is ensure the safety of their guests, prepare for the forecast floods, and wait to restore their property after the storm has subsided.

2. PTAC room: A packaged terminal air conditioner offers central air conditioning to the complete area. These systems often become overworked due to the spacious indoor areas that need to remain cool 24x7. This wear and tear can lead to water leaks and eventual water damage to the property. Regular inspection can ensure any initial leak is detected and arrested before matters get out of hand. A delayed correction of the situation could mean expensive repairs later on. Timely services and repairs ensure the cooling system is in prime condition and works effectively. 

3. Faulty appliances: Electrical appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers are often worn out in hotels due to the high number of guests at one point in time. It is crucial to maintain these appliances regularly to ensure there are no water leaks or complete collapse of the equipment. The leak from these appliances can damage floors and walls, not to mention carpets and other expensive items.

4. Old or burst plumbing pipes: This happens to be the most common cause of water damage in all commercial and residential buildings. And hotels have a massive and widespread plumbing network to ensure a constant supply of water throughout the property and across the day. Often, water leaks from rusty or old pipes in a hidden area like inside a wall, near the toilets, or underneath a sink remain undetected for weeks in the absence of a protocol for inspection. This can lead to extensive damage and disrupt the functioning of the hotel. The management needs to ensure a constant inspection of plumbing to avoid water damage. 

5. Sewage backup: Sewage backup is a category 3 or black water damage. This water is severely contaminated due to its contact with human waste. It poses severe health effects to all inhabitants. The duration of exposure to this water and the porosity of the materials affected determines the damage costs. Some flooring materials and furnishing may be beyond rescue even by professional help especially if there is a delay in restoration activities. 

6. Accidents and pranks: This is another reason hotels suffer from major losses. Even an innocent prank can lead to major damages. A bathtub flooding, for instance, can cause leaks in all the rooms below. The best practice is to ensure that the hotel is impeccably clean and well-maintained to avoid such accidents. Additionally, adequate insurance coverage can be very helpful in cases of severe damage.

Why SERVPRO?

• SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of Grapevine / NE Tarrant County is constantly updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, or anywhere else can quickly access the services. 

• With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.

• The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.

For commercial water damage restoration, call SERVPRO of Grapevine / NE Tarrant County today at (817) 595-2506 or e-mail at office@SERVPROheb.com