If you’re a business owner then without a doubt your number one priority is protecting your bottom line. In truth, doing so involves many different responsibilities and one of those is cutting back on operational costs.
One of those costs is water, which isn’t just a precious resource but also a major expense for many businesses. That’s why it’s crucial to know you’re using the water you’re paying for.
If there’s a water leak in your business then this can cause a range of issues from the minor to the severe. So to avoid these, we’ve put together this guide to spotting leaks.
Why Detecting Water Leaks Matters
There are a number of reasons why you want to detect a water leak as soon as possible. These include:
Wasted Money
First and foremost, water leaks cost money. As your business will be on a meter where you pay for the amount you use, any leak in your system will lead to an increase in water bills, resulting in unnecessary expenditures and eating into your profit.
Therefore, detecting these leaks and getting them fixed in a timely fashion will significantly reduce costs and protect that all-important bottom line!
Resource Conservation
In an era where sustainability is a top priority for businesses, detecting and repairing water leaks helps conserve this valuable, life-giving resource.
Reducing water wastage aligns with your environmental responsibility as a business owner and can enhance your company’s sustainability efforts which you’re free to wear as a badge of honour!
Infrastructure Damage
As well as costing you a small fortune and harming your sustainability efforts, water leaks can also damage building structures, equipment and inventory.
In severe cases this can result in costly repairs and operational disruptions, underlining the importance of spotting leaks early to avoid these expensive consequences!
Ways To Spot Water Leaks
So now we know the importance of spotting a water leak and nipping it in the bud early, how exactly should you go about doing that? Here are some ways to spot a water leak:
Regular Inspections
The first step is to regularly inspect your business premises for any signs of water leaks. Check walls, floors and ceilings for any signs of discolouration, damp spots or peeling paint. Likewise, pay attention to any unusual odours, as musty or damp smells can be indicative of water leaks.
As well as indoor areas, check outside too. After all, many of the pipes will be visible around your business premises so you should be able to get a good look. Look for any puddles, unusual wet patches, or soft ground. These may suggest underground leaks or issues with your external plumbing which should be addressed immediately.
Water Audits
Consider investing in a water audit where professional water auditors will come and assess your business premises and identify potential leak sources.
As well as spotting leaks, a water audit can also highlight inefficiencies and help to streamline your water system. This may involve upgrading older equipment, adopting smart monitoring solutions, and training your staff to use water more efficiently which can all reduce bills and further your ecological efforts.
Monitor Your Water Bills
One of the easiest ways to spot a water leak is by keeping a close eye on your bills. If there’s suddenly a breach in your pipes then this will be reflected in your bills.
Monitor your bills and see if there are any sudden spikes as this can be a strong indicator of a water leak.
Utilise Technology
These days you can utilise a variety of technologies to help make the job of detecting leaks a more straightforward task. These include smart water meters and sensors which provide real-time data on water usage and alert you to abnormal patterns or leaks so you can act swiftly.
Schedule Regular Plumbing Maintenance
Another way to detect any issues early is by scheduling regular plumbing maintenance . A plumber will use their expertise to run the rule over your pipework, looking for any signs of wear and tear that could develop into something more severe later on.
If any issues are detected, your plumber will advise on the best course of action and these preventative measures could end up saving you a packet in the long run!
Employee Training
Now you know the best ways to spot a water leak, all that leaves is for you to pass on the knowledge to your staff!
By teaching them what you’ve learned here and encouraging them to be vigilant, they should be ready to spot any leaks in your piping system, allowing you to get it fixed up in next to no time.
So that’s how to know if your business has a water leak. By following all these steps above, you should be able to quickly spot any issues with your water system, saving time, money and avoiding operational disruption.
