Water-damaged properties are most commonly associated with inclement weather, but you might be surprised to learn just how many losses are the result of something other than heavy rain. In fact, about 20 percent of all water-damage-related insurance claims are because of something other than rainwater. The good news is that most of these non-weather water losses can be easily prevented with a little bit of preventative maintenance and by investing in equipment such as a sprinkler shut off tool for properties that have fire protection systems.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the leading causes of non-weather water damage.
Top Causes of Non-Weather Water Damage
Plumbing
Water damage can stem from many issues involving pipes and plumbing, and the scary thing about this is that you may not even notice there’s a problem before it’s too late. Hard water can lead to mineral deposit buildup in your plumbing, which can eventually damage the areas around seals or even form a blockage in the pipes. Other plumbing issues tend to be more noticeable. Listen for water hammers or loud banging noises that occur when water is abruptly shut off. If these are too extreme, they could damage the pipes. Check your property’s water pressure too. If it’s too high, it could lead to a greater likelihood of a pipe burst.
Bathroom Fixtures
In a perfect world, bathtubs and showers are properly caulked and sealed to ensure that water stays where it’s supposed to be. Toilets are also sealed to ensure there’s no gap between your plumbing and floor so that water or waste can’t escape the plumbing system. But caulking and seals tend to wear down over time, leaving parts of your property susceptible to moisture intrusion and water damage. To prevent this from occurring, be sure that you’re regularly inspecting the condition of caulk and seals in the bathroom.
Appliances
Water-using appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators with built-in icemakers and more are all susceptible to leaking and causing damage within a property. Make sure to regularly check the condition of hoses and other components that help these appliances connect to the property’s plumbing to avoid water damage.
Sprinkler Systems
It’s estimated that accidental activation of fire sprinklers in a commercial property can lead to $35,000 worth of damage on average – and that’s not even counting the lost profits and productivity from potential business interruption. That’s why a sprinkler shut off tool is so important to have on hand in a commercial property. With this easily accessible, you won’t have to wait for the fire department.