If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (888) 457-8638

To have the optimal experience while using this site, you will need to update your browser. You may want to try one of the following alternatives:

Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Commercial Water Damage

5/23/2023 (Permalink)

Frozen pipe This pipe is frozen and could bust causing water damage in your commercial building.

The piping systems in many older commercial buildings often pose a significant risk due to their deteriorating condition. What was once considered state-of-the-art during installation may now be recognized as problematic or due for replacement. Unfortunately, commercial property owners tend to overlook the condition of these hidden pipes until a leak occurs, resulting in water damage, tenant displacement, and the potential growth of mold.

Various types of older piping can be a cause for concern. Polybutylene piping, popular between the 1970s and 1990s due to its cost-effectiveness and easy installation, has proven to be problematic. Exposure to water treatment chemicals like chlorine causes it to become brittle and prone to breakage. Even if the piping remains intact, water quality is compromised as chemicals leach into the water, necessitating its replacement.

Cast iron or galvanized metal piping is susceptible to erosion, corrosion, or a combination of both. The friction caused by water flow within the pipes leads to erosion, wearing away the metal over time. Corrosion occurs when the metal chemically reacts with water, posing an even greater challenge for metal piping. Galvanized iron piping, for instance, which involved coating steel with zinc, was commonly used in structures built before 1960. However, zinc erodes and corrodes over time, leading to reduced water flow, increased leak risk, and compromised water quality. Galvanized pipes generally have a reliable lifespan of about 25 years.

In newer commercial buildings, stainless steel and copper piping may be used if the construction budget allows for it. Plastic plumbing types like PEX, PVC, and CPVC are also common in newer installations. While durable and flexible, they come with their own challenges, such as vulnerability to freezing conditions or UV degradation. It's important to note that no piping material is immune to deterioration, as none of them last indefinitely.

If you ever experience water damage resulting from pipe failure, you can rely on the services of SERVPRO of Dubuque to restore your property to its pre-damaged state. Their expertise and dedication will ensure that the water damage is addressed professionally, leaving no trace of the incident.

Other News

View Recent Posts