What steps should building managers take to control the water damage caused by burst pipes?

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

Blog summary: The SERVPRO blog gives insights into the ideal steps commercial building managers must take to prevent extensive water damage due to burst pipes.

Steps to take when a pipe bursts in a commercial building

A pipe bursting in the office building is a huge concern. Ideally, a regularly inspected plumbing system will be maintained well and prevent any minor problems from expanding into bigger problems. But errors happen and they can lead to disasters. SERVPRO shares some steps the building manager must take to minimize damage in the event of a pipe burst.

When there is water all over the place, the biggest concern must be the safety of all inhabitants. Flooded areas present an array of safety hazards from electrocution to weakened structural integrity. Here are the immediate steps to take in the event of a flooded commercial building:

• Find the source and disconnect

The first step is to shut off the inflow of water. The leak may or may not be evident, Either way, the source of the water leak must be discovered at the earliest and the main water valve must be switched off to prevent further water damage.  

1. Turn off the electricity 

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. A flooded building with its electrical outlets, power strips, and other electrical devices puts everyone at risk of electrocution. 

In case of extensive flooding or if the building manager can’t locate the breaker switch for the affected area, the power to the complete building can be turned off for safety reasons.

1. Shut off the main water supply

Ideally, the building’s water main or the valves to the affected pipe must be turned off quickly. But if this becomes impossible, the building’s emergency maintenance department should be contacted to shut off the main water supply immediately. 

1. Collect the remaining water

Even after the burst pipe supply is turned off, the water that’s already in the pipes will still flow out until it’s empty. Collecting this water in a bucket can go a long way in preventing further and extensive damage to the property.

1. Remove valuable contents

Office space has expensive and valuable contents such as laptops and official documents that must be removed and placed in a safe area. Flooding events can cause irreparable damage to important contents. Although with the latest technology a lot of documents can be restored, it is best to protect them from further damage. 

1. Contact the professionals

The priority is to fix the leaking pipe at the earliest. This can be done by a professional plumber who can discover the leak and replace the damaged section. Thereafter, it is crucial to call in an experienced water damage restoration company such as SERVPRO that can help homeowners document the damage for insurance purposes, and begin the water removal and drying out process. In case of extensive damage, SERVPRO technicians can offer construction services as well.

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 surrounding areas 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 a*lso acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.

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