How to Identify and Fix Water Leaks in Your Commercial Property

Water leaks in commercial properties can spell disaster for small businesses. Not only can leaks result in high water bills, but they can also lead to burst pipes, which can cause major floods. The average business owner has nowhere near enough experience or knowledge about plumbing to be able to identify and fix leaks themselves, however. If you aren’t confident in your plumbing abilities but want to be able to learn to spot the signs of water leaks and burst pipes, this article has you covered. Here’s everything you need to know: 

Hire Professional Support

The first thing you need to know is that it is unnecessary for you as a property owner to fix water leaks yourself. Instead, you can outsource plumbing to a professional. The experts from Accurate Leak and Line of Waco make clear on their site that they can perform diagnostics and then repairs for a reasonable price. Hiring a plumber means you can sit back and focus on your work, while experts make immediate emergency repairs. In terms of finding a plumber, prioritize working with one that specializes in commercial plumbing, and has a license to do so. Also take a read through your chosen plumber’s customer reviews, because they can tell you a lot about them and the quality of the work they do. 

Monitor Your Water Bills

In terms of identifying water leaks, unless leaks have occurred on radiators or visible pipes, the chances are you won’t even know they are there. One of the main indications that you have a water leak in your property is if your bills start going up. Another sign your property might have a leak is if the water pressure keeps going on your boiler. Water pressure dropping is a clear indication that there is a leak because when there is a leak in the system, water pressure cannot be maintained. At the first signs of either high water bills or frequent boiler pressure drops, get in touch with a professional and ask them to come and take a look. They will be able to perform diagnostic tests and pinpoint the location of leaks. They can do this using either infrared cameras or by putting dye in your pipes. 

Inspect Walls and Ceilings

If you notice dark, shadowy spots on your walls, this should be a sign that you have a leaking pipe. Dark spots that weren’t there before can be caused by dampness, which will be covered in more detail below. Dark spots are most prominent on white walls, but they are visible on darker walls if you look closely. If you notice any dark spots, get in touch with a plumber right away. If you are hesitant about spending money to have diagnostic tests performed, you could always use a ladder to prick the dark spots with a fork. If the wall easily comes apart or seems wet, then there is obviously a leak. You may want to consider turning off your property’s water supply at the main valve until a professional has been able to come and take a look, so matters don’t end up getting worse. 

Look for Signs of Dampness or Mold

In your business, look for signs of dampness or mold. If you find dampness anywhere, this is a clear sign there is a leak, or you have high indoor humidity levels. To test if humidity levels are high, use a portable humidity detector. These devices are widely available and very affordable. You can even lease them. It is worth noting, that for the cost of a new humidity meter, you can probably pay a professional plumber to come out and perform diagnostic tests for you. Mold is also another indicator of a leak somewhere. Mold, unfortunately, can be very dangerous. If you find it inside your business, you need to take immediate action. Allowing mold to go unresolved can result in injuries. Some molds can be toxic, especially to people who suffer from asthma or mold sensitivities. Not only could it put you and your employees in danger, but it could put customers in danger, too. 

Check Outdoor Areas

Check outdoor areas for leaks, too. A lot of business owners focus their attention on the insides of their properties, but leaks are just as likely to occur, if not more so, outside. As well as looking for leaks, you should also inspect the outside of your property for other signs of plumbing problems or water damage. External plumbing issues can make your business look very unattractive and messy, which could deter customers from coming inside. If you hire a plumber to perform diagnostic tests, they will also be able to highlight any other plumbing problems you have and offer to resolve them for you. A common outdoor plumbing issue is backed-up gutters. If you do not clear your gutters out, water could flow into your building’s roof or attic, which could lead to serious dampness, mold, or even structural rot, which can compromise your business’s structural integrity. 

Use Leak Detection Equipment

Finally, if you have access to leak detection equipment, you can use it to look for any leaks. As stated above, you can usually rent this kind of equipment. However, most plumbers charge around the same or less than the price of renting or buying leak detection equipment to perform their own checks. Unless you are a trained and qualified plumber, there is no reason for you to be using leak detection equipment. In all likelihood, you won’t be able to use it as effectively, and may even make mistakes, thereby wasting your money and missing obvious leaks. If you plan on hiring a plumber, you will be pleased to know that some even perform diagnostic tests and give quotes out for free. Reach out to your chosen plumber today to find out if they do offer free diagnostic tests and quotes.

Water leaks can be very problematic. If you suspect your business is suffering from leaks, you need a professional’s support. Reach out to a qualified, experienced plumber today. The more experienced a plumber is, the more likely they are to be able to help you. A plumber’s reviews will tell you everything you need to know about them, so read through them before you make a hiring decision.