Commercial Water Damage Cleanup Tips

Texas is no stranger to hurricanes, flash flooding, and severe storms. In fact, with the changing climate, flood damage will affect almost 13,000 properties in Dallas in the next 30 years. 

Nobody wants to think about water flooding into their office. But, commercial water damage can leave lasting problems that affect your business as well as your health and quality of life.

You might think you can clean up commercial water damage on your own, but this can be a massive task. 

If you are a property or business owner, a leaking or burst pipe can cost you even more money if not dealt with properly in the first place. You could end up with mold and awful, lingering smells. You might even need to shut down operations for a long time to deal with the problem.

Keep reading to learn more about commercial water damage and why you might want to hire a cleanup service.

What Causes Commercial Water Damage?

Having running water was once considered a luxury. Centuries ago, cities were dirty and full of diseases, and most people had to walk far to find clean water to drink.

These days we don’t even notice the complex pipes bringing water to our sink for drinking or to the washing machine. We flush the toilet without a thought.

Until, of course, something goes wrong.

A burst pipe can soak your ceiling or the inside of your walls. Perhaps your toilet overflows and floods your bathroom floor. If you have neighbors working underneath you, this can also cause damage to their office.

Buildings are often more prone to commercial water damage. There are more toilets and pipes, and they are much larger. This means it is even more critical to conduct regular inspections and ensure there are no leaks.

Old, rusty pipes can lead to a leak that, over time, causes significant damage. A commercial building will have numerous air conditioners. These are also another leading cause of leaks when they get clogged.

Dripping water from an air conditioner can damage floors and walls. 

Your office building will also have a sprinkler system in case of fires. If this malfunctions, you could have a major mess on your hands. You can expect significant damage to desks, computers, and other electronics.

Bad weather is another leading cause of commercial water damage. In April 2022, flash floods hit northern Texas. This type of event turns roads into rivers and can be terrifying if it affects your property or office.

How Do You Clean Up Commercial Water Damage?

No matter what has happened to cause commercial water damage, you must act fast.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), just one inch of floodwater can lead to damages of $26,807.

When you notice a leak or burst pipe on your commercial property, your first priority is to turn the water off and attempt to stop further damage.

You may need to flee the building in the case of heavy flooding. However, if it is safe and you are going to stick around and try to save electronics and other items, it is best to turn off the electricity. Power and water can be a dangerous combination. 

There are several things to consider when cleaning up the damage in your office or business.

The first is mold. These fungi will grow in a moist environment and will start reproducing within 24 to 48 hours after there has been commercial water damage. They will not stop growing until the problem has been dealt with. 

Mold can cause anything from mild to severe health problems if not dealt with. This includes:

• Asthma attacks
• Blocked and runny nose
• Coughing
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Skin irritations
• Headaches and memory loss
• General body aches

Mold can also lead to unpleasant odors. If not properly removed, you might have to replace walls and ceilings to resolve the problem.

If you want to ensure your commercial water damage is dealt with correctly, you should hire a company specializing in this kind of job. 

Why Should You Hire a Cleanup Company?

Dealing with commercial water damage cleanup can be labor-intensive. 

You will need to wear protective gear as you identify what is damaged and determine what to throw away. Getting rid of excess water can take hours, and a mop and towels will not be enough.

PuroClean Restoration specialists will have state-of-the-art equipment to remove the water, dry the area, and remove any humidity. They will use pumps to take out the excess water and will discard it for you.

Then they will use industrial fans, HEPA air filtration devices, vacuums, and dehumidifiers to dry the area.

Professionals will know what cleaning agents will work to kill mold spores. If you use the wrong product, you may not stop them from growing. If you don’t have the right equipment, heavy amounts of cleaning products could also be toxic.

Another good reason to turn to a water damage restoration company is that they will know how to clean stains and remove any foul smells that remain after the water damage.

Lingering mold and smells will affect office workers. In a shopping center or other commercial property, they will be off putting to clients. 

Protect Your Property From Water Damage

You can take steps to prevent water damage, such as cleaning gutters or knowing where to switch the main water valve off. However, you cannot control the impact of a surprise leak or unexpected floods.

For peace of mind, call in professionals to help you clean up water damage. Experts will know how to salvage important items and restore your business or commercial property.

Contact PuroClean Restoration Specialists to learn more about our services.