Maintenance Solution Resources

(Almost) Everything You Need To Know About Building Water Leaks

Written by Tim Petersen | May 7, 2021 4:00:00 AM

A leak in a commercial building, school or residential complex can be costly. It can cause thousands of dollars in damage, pose health and safety risks and lead to lost revenue.

Even the smallest of leaks can cause significant damage, but while we can all spot a burst pipe or an overflowing toilet, some leaks are much more difficult to detect and resolve. Leaks from upper-floor bathrooms, for example, cause damp patches on the ceiling of the lower floor and result in mould and structural damage. These leaks typically occur as a result of a low-quality or damaged waterproofing membrane (so it’s important to take care of minor concerns before they worsen).

To prevent the worst from happening, keep your buildings in excellent condition and call in the building maintenance experts at the first sign of a serious water problem. In this blog, we’re going to talk about the signs and causes of leaks, as well as how to go about building leakage repair. 

What are the warning signs of building leakage?

  • Musty odours
  • Mould
  • Discolouration and wet stains
  • Warping walls
  • Buckling or sagging floors
  • Unusually high water bills
  • Very low water pressure 
  • Accumulated water

What are the most common causes of building water leaks in schools, commercial buildings and residential complexes?

  • Roof and balcony water seepage
  • Improper specification 
  • Defective pipes and/or changes in temperature
  • Clogging 

How can you repair building leakages?

Bringing in the experts 

While some building leakage repairs can be undertaken yourself, internal leaks — if not dealt with quickly and properly — can be devastating. 

The best way to mitigate problems is to enlist professionals to regularly maintain your buildings. While these professionals can work on any type of building — commercial, residential or academic — it’s worth checking they’ve got experience in these environments. That way you’re sure repairs will disrupt your day as little as possible. 

When should you bring in contractors? 

  • For complex leaks that need immediate resolution
  • When health and safety is a major concern
  • When you might make the problem worse

 

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At First Response, we specialise in building maintenance. This includes building refurbishment, painting, landscaping and grounds maintenance, refurbishment, carpentry, electrical systems installation and design, roofing repairs, flooring, plastering and more. This means that no matter what kind of building leak you have, we have the experience and expertise to deliver. 

If you want to find out more about our services and get a tailored quote, please click the button below. We’d be glad to help.