When a pipe bursts at your company or the water won’t turn on, it’s tempting to panic. Water problems often cause a lot of damage, and they shut your business down since no one can work without water. Instead of giving in to your stress, take these steps immediately.
1. Call a Professional
You don’t have the expertise to diagnose or fix the issue with your water system, so you must call a professional as soon as possible. Plumbers can generally solve the most pressing problems by turning off the water and performing simple repairs, but some complicated situations require water system repair products. After doing what he or she can, your plumber refers you to experts who know how to take care of the rest.
2. Move Valuable Objects
Once you identify the area that’s most threatened by water damage, move all valuable objects out of that place. Evacuate paper documents first, especially if you don’t have copies stored online, and then take out expensive equipment that isn’t waterproof. Preferably you can store these items somewhere else in your building, but if not, take them to the parking lot or your car.
3. Assess the Results
Now that the problem is being addressed and you’ve done everything you can to protect valuable items, you must assess the damage. Water often weakens floorboards and walls, requiring extensive renovations. Have an architect inspect your building to determine if it’s safe to come back to work. Also, evaluate your response to the emergency and see how you can improve in the future. For example, if you didn’t know who to call about the water leak, make a list of repair companies to call the next time you have a problem.
Take these steps to respond to water-related crises in an efficient and timely manner.