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The Top 5 Reasons Why Elevator Water Damage Occurs
5/23/2022 (Permalink)
Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for any size water damage disaster!
Elevator water damage is one of commercial property owners' most common problems.
It's no secret that water in an elevator shaft can cause a lot of damage. In fact, just one inch of water can result in thousands of dollars in losses. Likewise, standing water in an elevator can damage the elevator equipment and lead to a loss of revenue.
In many cases, it can be challenging to determine the source of the elevator water damage. Therefore, the professionals at SERVPRO of Barrow County put together this blog post to discuss the top 5 reasons why elevator water damage occurs. We will also provide tips on preventing this type of damage from happening in the future!
What is elevator water damage?
Elevator water damage is when water enters an elevator shaft and causes damage. Water damage can cause extensive damage to elevator equipment and even lead to a complete shutdown. That's why it's essential to be aware of the top 5 reasons elevator water damage occurs.
The top 5 reasons why elevator water damage occurs
Here are the top 5 reasons why elevator water damage occurs:
- Pipe bursts
- Foundation leaks
- Flooding
- Improper drainage
- Malfunctioning sump pumps
Pipe bursts
One of the most common causes of elevator water damage is a pipe burst. A pipe burst can occur for various reasons, such as freezing temperatures, high water pressure, or even corrosion. When a pipe bursts, it can release hundreds of gallons of water into the elevator shaft, causing extensive damage.
Foundation leaks
Another common cause of elevator water damage is a foundation leak. Foundation leaks can occur when there is a crack in the foundation or if the sealant around the elevator shaft is not properly maintained. Foundation leaks can be challenging to detect, but they can cause severe damage when not fixed promptly.
Flooding
Flooding is another common cause of elevator water damage. Flooding can occur when heavy rains enter an elevator shaft and cause extensive damage.
Improper drainage
Improper drainage is another common cause of elevator water damage. Improper drainage can occur when the drains around the elevator shaft are not adequately maintained. When the drains are not properly maintained, they can become clogged and cause water to back up into the elevator shaft.
Malfunctioning sump pumps
Malfunctioning sump pumps are another common cause of elevator water damage. Sump pumps pump water out of an elevator shaft, but they can malfunction when not adequately maintained. When a sump pump malfunctions, it can cause water to back up into the elevator shaft and cause extensive damage.
Preventing elevator water damage
Now that you know the top 5 reasons why elevator water damage occurs, you can be proactive in preventing it. Here are some tips to help you avoid elevator water damage:
- Inspect your elevator regularly for leaks or cracks.
- Make sure the sealant around your elevator shaft is in good condition.
- Check your sump pump regularly to make sure it is working correctly.
- Inspect the drains around your elevator shaft to ensure they are not clogged.
- Be prepared for heavy rains by having a plan to protect your elevator shaft from flooding.
By following these tips, you can help prevent elevator water damage and keep your elevator in good working condition.
What to do if elevator water damage occurs?
When elevator water damage occurs, it is essential to act quickly to minimize the damage. Here are some steps to take if elevator water damage occurs:
- Shut off the water source if possible.
- Remove any standing water with a wet/dry vac.
- Remove any damaged materials.
- Place fans and dehumidifiers in the elevator shaft to help dry the area.
- Call a professional to inspect the elevator for any damage.
If elevator water damage occurs, it is essential to act quickly to minimize the damage. By following these steps, you can help prevent further damage and get your elevator back up and running as soon as possible.
Why Choose SERVPRO
It is best to choose a professional company, like SERVPRO, with experience in elevator water damage. SERVPRO has the training and experience to get the job done right and will work quickly to minimize the damage and get your elevator back up and running as soon as possible.
SERVPRO of Barrow County is a leading provider of commercial water damage restoration services.
When you choose SERVPRO of Barrow County, you can be sure that you are choosing a company that:
- Is experienced in elevator water damage restoration
- Has the training and experience to get the job done right
- Works quickly to minimize the damage
- Gets your business back up and running as soon as possible
If you have any questions about our elevator water damage services or if you need to schedule an inspection, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We are available 24 hours a day for any size commercial water damage emergency!