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Ignoring leaks can be detrimental to business owners and CEOs in terms of financial and operational challenges. They can set you back with structural damage or, more commonly—inflated bills.
The hidden dangers of water leaks demand immediate attention. Here’s what you can expect if you continue to ignore water leaks, but also what you can do to detect a leak early.
How Ignoring Water Leaks Could Cost Business Owners?
Structural Damage
Unchecked water leaks can wreak havoc on your business premises. Over time, water seeping into walls, floors, or ceilings can weaken structural components, leading to costly repairs.
Damp conditions can cause wood to rot and concrete to crack, which is a safety risk for obvious reasons.
Extensive structural damage caused by water leaks can cost businesses thousands of pounds to rectify, especially if the issue remains undetected for an extended period.
Mould
One of the first signs of structural damage from leaks is mould growth. It thrives in damp environments and can spread rapidly, causing further damage to walls, ceilings, and furnishings.
Beyond the physical damage, mould can also negatively affect indoor air quality. Your employees will not appreciate it!
Poor indoor air quality caused by dampness and mould can lead to lower employee productivity and increased sick days.
Addressing leaks promptly is your responsibility. It creates a healthier workplace but also protects your business from potential legal claims related to unsafe working conditions.
Inflated Utility Bills
Costs. It’s the driving factor of any business, so why let a puny leak take chunks out of your operational costs?
Water leaks will directly impact your utility bills, causing them to skyrocket. Even a small leak can waste thousands of litres of water annually. For example, a dripping tap can waste up to 5,000 litres of water per year, according to Ofwat.Gov.
Causes of Water Leaks
Preventing water leaks means you need to know what causes them. A brief overview includes:
- Ageing pipes: Over time, pipes corrode and weaken.
- High water pressure: Excessive pressure can strain pipes and cause them to crack.
- Faulty plumbing: Poor installation or maintenance of plumbing systems.
- External factors: Extreme weather conditions or ground movement can damage pipes and joints.
Always check up on your premises after a large storm or during Winter. Regular inspections of your plumbing system can help identify vulnerabilities and prevent leaks before they occur.
Consider getting a water audit to see where water leaks could be impacting your business already.
How to Detect a Leak Early in Your Business?
Getting leaks detected early is singlehandedly the best thing you can do. The fundamental things you can do are to monitor water usage and conduct regular inspections of your premises.
Compare your water bills month-to-month. Unexplained increases could indicate a leak. Check visible pipes, ceilings, and walls for signs of dampness, water stains, or mould.
Installing a smart water meter can help detect leaks early and monitor your water usage in real-time. These businesses that take proactive measures to fix leaks can significantly reduce utility expenses for business owners.
Find a Supplier Who Will Help
A good business water supplier will offer leak detection services or support to help you manage your water usage more effectively.
Look for suppliers with transparent policies and a reputation for great customer service—ideally with a 4+ start rating on Trustpilot or Reviews.io. They need to be involved in your proactive approaches to cutting costs and saving water. Their expertise can help you resolve issues quickly and avoid future problems.
Don’t let leaks go unnoticed—take action today to protect your business. For more business news, tips, and ideas, read our full business blogs.