The Top 5 Causes of Hospital Water Damage

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO when your hospital suffers from water damage!

Water damage in hospitals can have a disastrous effect on patients, staff, and equipment.

When most people think of water damage, they imagine a flooded house. However, water damage can also occur in many different commercial settings. For example, in 2019, water damage affected Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, after a pipe burst.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Downtown Atlanta understand that hospitals are especially vulnerable to water damage because they have many different potential sources of water leaks.

The following blog post will explore the top 5 causes of water damage in hospitals so that you can be aware of the potential risks and take steps to prevent them.

What is hospital water damage?

Hospital water damage is any physical damage caused by water or moisture to hospital property, including but not limited to:

• Buildings
• Equipment
• Supplies
• Records

As you can see, hospital water damage can cause a hospital to lose a lot more than just revenue.

The top 5 causes of water damage in hospitals

The hospital water damage process can be very complicated because there are many different potential sources of hospital water damage, and each source has its own unique set of risks and consequences. Let's take a look at the top 5 causes of hospital water damage:

1. Faulty plumbing

One of the most common causes of hospital water damage is faulty plumbing. Faulty plumbing can include leaks in pipes, toilets, and faucets. 

2. Spills

Another common cause of hospital water damage is accidental spills. Cleaning supplies, beverage containers, and equipment can all cause potential spills. 

3. Foundation leaks

Another potential cause of hospital water damage is foundation leaks. These leaks can occur when there is a problem with the hospital's foundation, such as cracks or gaps. 

4. Floods

Floods are another common cause of hospital water damage. This type of water damage can occur when there is a heavy rainstorm or a natural disaster. 

5. Water leaks from roofs and windows

Another potential source of hospital water damage is water leaks from roofs and windows. These leaks can occur due to various factors, such as poor maintenance, damaged seals, or faulty construction.

Preventing hospital water damage

Now that you are familiar with the top 5 causes of hospital water damage, let's take a look at some prevention steps you can take:

• Regularly check for leaks and repair them as soon as possible. By checking for leaks on a regular basis, you can prevent hospital water damage before it has a chance to occur.
• Clean up spills immediately to prevent hospital water damage.
• Periodically check the hospital's foundation for any signs of leaks and fix them as quickly as possible.
• Make sure your hospital has an emergency plan in place in case of a flood or other natural disaster. This plan should include steps for evacuating patients and staff and protecting equipment and supplies.
• Regularly inspect roofs and windows for any signs of leaks and repair them as soon as possible. We suggest checking the seals around doors and windows on a monthly basis.

You can help prevent water damage and keep your hospital running smoothly by taking these steps.

Why choose SERVPRO for hospital water damage restoration

If you are looking for a commercial water damage restoration company that you can trust, look no further than SERVPRO of Downtown Atlanta. We are a locally owned and operated company with over 20 years of experience in commercial water damage restoration. We understand the unique challenges hospitals face regarding water damage, and we are here to help.

We are a team of IICRC-certified water damage restoration technicians available 24/7 to help you with your hospital water damage needs. Contact us today to learn more about our hospital water damage services or to schedule an estimate.