If you own a business, it’s no exaggeration to say that water leaks can be disastrous. Not only can they cause damage to your building and create a hazard, but water leaks also put a literal drain on your finances.
This is why water leaks need to be spotted and rectified as soon as possible, otherwise they can cause major issues and leave you severely out of pocket!
In this blog post, we’ll go over five signs you have a water leak at work. After reading, hopefully you’ll have all the info you need to spot and fix a leak in double quick time.
Water Bill Spike
One of the most obvious giveaways that there’s a leak somewhere in your water system is a sudden jump in your bills. Most businesses use pretty much the same amount of water on a month-to-month basis. So if the usage all of a sudden jumps up for no reason, this is an indication water is leaking somewhere.
For business owners who fail to monitor their bills, this would be impossible to notice. So the trick is to keep a close eye on your bills and if they suddenly shoot up you’ll know right away and can investigate the cause.
Mould And Mildew
Mould and mildew are types of fungi that develop in damp environments. They’re easily spotted due to their fuzzy, powdery appearance often characterised by unsightly black or green spots.
When water leaks, it creates a damp atmosphere, nurturing the growth and proliferation of mould and mildew. So if you have any areas where mould or mildew are present, this is a good sign there’s a water leak.
Drop In Pressure
Have you noticed a drop in your water pressure? This often stems from various sources, such as sediment accumulation within pipes, defective valves or water seepage.
If leakage occurs, this restricts the flow of water through your pipes, reducing the amount available for essential usage. So if you detect a sudden decline in water pressure if taps aren’t being used elsewhere, it could indicate a potential leak within the system.
Rusting Piping
In older buildings, it’s common to find galvanised steel pipes or drains. Sadly, these are prone to rust and corrosion over time, which can result in eventual breakages in the piping and leaks.
Discoloration, stains, flaking or visible rust on exposed pipes indicates the onset of corrosion. If you do spot these telltale sins on your pipework then taking them out before they start to deteriorate is a wise move as you’ll save time, money and a whole load of stress further down the road.
Damage To Flooring
Have you noticed any warping or deterioration to flooring? If so, then this is another sign that there is a water leak somewhere in your premises.
When water escapes from piping, it can start to seep into your flooring. If this occurs, it can cause it to warp or stain, so if you’ve noticed this in an area or flooring then it needs urgent investigation as it could well indicate the presence of a leak.
So those are five of the most obvious signs you have a leak in your business premises. Obviously there may be other indications, but in our experience these are the most obvious clues that water is leaking from somewhere.
So if your bills suddenly jump up, there are patches of mould growing on walls, there’s a drop in pressure or there’s rusty, deteriorating piping, these are all suggestions that there’s a leak in your business premises.
Although it may seem tempting to put any plumbing work off due to the potential high costs, by doing this you only increase the likelihood that the costs will be much higher when you eventually get it seen to. So you’ll actually save money by getting the problem rectified sooner.
Comparing Providers
Speaking of saving money, by regularly comparing deals on your water supply you can make some decent savings on your bills.
By comparing water suppliers, you can stay up to date with the best deals and tariffs on offer. That way, you’re always getting the deal that suits your needs, preferences and, most importantly, your budget.
If you’re looking to switch business water suppliers, get in touch today and we’d be happy to help you find the best deal for your business.
