Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning is dedicated to getting a business up and running as soon as possible after a burst pipe water damage disaster. Water pipes in a commercial setting are often under a wide range of stresses that can lead to a catastrophic failure of the body of the pipe, at joints, and where valves are located. Aging, negligence, accidents, vandalism, and other issues factor into the equation that adds up to a burst pipe in an El Dorado, AR, business. Once a pipe bursts, thousands of gallons of water can flood the office floor, the production area, or the warehouse.
Outlined below are six common reasons why pipes burst in a commercial setting, resulting in extensive water damage and loss if not quickly detected.
#1. Improper installation
One of the leading causes of burst water pipes is improper installation. Areas of weakness are created when pipes of two different materials, such as copper and plastic, are improperly joined. Using the wrong types of cleaners and cement when joining pipes can lead to serious water damage in the future. The installation of water pipes in such a way that undue stress is exerted on joints sets up conditions that can lead to a burst water pipe.
#2. Pressure buildup in the water pipes
A rise in water pressure in a water pipe is one of the most common causes of pipe ruptures. Often a result of clogging, the increase in water pressure continues to build as only a minimal amount of water flows through the pipe beyond the clog. The pressure will continue to increase until the pipe bursts and the pressure is relieved.
If a faucet yields only a trickle of water when the tap is wide open, the issue may be a blockage somewhere in the line. The water release will most likely occur at a point where the pipe or a joint is compromised.
#3. Frigid weather
On February 16, 2021, much of Arkansas experienced sub-zero temperatures. Fayetteville, AR, saw a record-breaking temperature of -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The ferocious cold snap lasted for days, and thousands of people and businesses experienced both frozen and burst pipes.
Water can expand in volume by as much as nine percent and exert pressures over 14,000 psi. As long as the pipes can withstand the increase in volume and pressure, no catastrophe will occur.
A layer of insulation will prevent most pipes from freezing. Allowing water to trickle from faucets will also help avoid freezing since flowing water has a lower freeze point.
#4. Exposure to elements and other activities
Not all water pipes are buried underground. Some pipes, due to the commercial application, are exposed to the elements. Pipes for fire sprinkler systems, industrial manufacturing processes, or other applications often run along the ceiling. During cold weather, these pipes can freeze. Direct sunlight can degrade plastic pipes. When pipes corrode and crack, they are more likely to fail. Exposed pipes are vulnerable to impact damage from equipment such as forklifts, dollies, and mechanical lifts. Insulation can protect pipes from the harmful rays of the sun and harsh temperatures. Proper signage identifying exposed water pipes can increase awareness and reduce damage from human error or accidents.
#5. Pipes manufactured with inferior grade materials
Defective pipes are a liability from the moment they are installed. Careful inspection of pipes during the installation process can result in faulty materials being spotted and discarded. Some of the issues may be directly related to inferior materials. Also, pipes may have been damaged during shipping or while in storage awaiting installation. A water damage disaster can be averted simply by visually examining each pipe before it is installed.
#6. Hairline fractures in pipes
Hairline fractures create future problems. Over time, the fracture lines enlarge until a catastrophic failure occurs. A close inspection at installation and a pressure test can reveal leaks before water is released into the pipes.
When burst pipes cause extensive water damage in a commercial environment, the business is faced with the cost of cleanup and restoration. The company must also weather the loss of revenue from the disruption of business operations. Regular maintenance and preventive measures are the best approaches to avoiding a water damage disaster from a burst pipe.
What to do when disaster strikes
When a water damage disaster occurs in a business setting, the immediate goal is to clean up the water, restore any damage, and resume normal business operations as soon as possible. The temptation is to utilize employees to do the cleanup. However, the lack of equipment, training and PPG puts employees at risk and exposes the employer to potential litigation if any personal injury occurs.
The team at Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning is well-equipped, thoroughly trained, and efficient. Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning complete the job promptly, allowing the business to resume normal operations as soon as possible.
