Prevention Key to Avoiding a Water-Related Business Claim

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage in an office building

Business owners in Murfreesboro, TN, know the importance of having commercial insurance for unexpected events. While that may provide peace of mind, avoiding a business claim altogether is the best option. One of the top causes of claims is water damage to the commercial building and contents. Although not all water issues can be prevented, proper maintenance of the plumbing system can avert such problems as a burst pipe or leak.

Prevention Tips

In most cases, the insurer will cover an accidental pipe break. If mold growth occurs because of this issue, it may or may not be included. If the leak was ongoing and already resulted in the mold, or if precautions weren’t taken after a break to mitigate secondary damage, your business claim for mold will likely be denied. Instead of getting a surprise, help keep your business in the best shape possible with these tips:

• Insulate any exposed pipes.
• Maintain indoor temperatures above 55 degrees even if the building is empty.
• Verify that wall cracks and lines for electrical conduits, utility services and fire protection are properly sealed.
• Insulate recessed lighting fixtures and drafty areas near pipes, including attics.
• Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and properly draining away from the building.
• Consider installing an automatic excess flow switch to monitor the waterline.

Call the Professionals
If a pipe has already burst, immediate action is needed. The first step is to turn off the water to stop the incoming flow. A broken pipe can unleash many gallons of water, which increases the need for extensive cleanup and repairs. Along with calling a plumber and making a business claim, contact a mold and water damage restoration company to assess the circumstances. They have the necessary expertise, tools and techniques to clean up the situation and prevent secondary damage from happening.
While filing a claim due to unexpected water or flood damage isn’t completely avoidable, maintaining your property and making a few improvements can help prevent an emergency.