Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important but possibly overlooked information facilities management professionals should know. 

Water leaks can create extensive and expensive damage to buildings if they are not fixed soon and properly. In addition, water leaks can cause health issues due to the growth of mold when building materials get wet.

Because of this, facilities managers (FMs) should know what to look for in their organization’s facilities that would indicate a water leak problem and address it immediately. FMs who are not experienced in plumbing should call a licensed plumber to fix the issue.

Here are seven signs that you may have a water leak:

1. Floor Damage

Depending on the flooring type, some types of floor damage caused by water leaks can include bubbling, buckling discoloration, unevenness, and instability.

Water leaks can cause damage to subfloors as well as lead to failing floor adhesives resulting in loose flooring.

Additionally, cupping can occur when the edges of a floorboard rise higher than its center while warping happens when there is uneven drying and absorption of water.

Damp floors, wet carpets, and pools of water can indicate that the water leak is below the floor and can be caused by sewer leaks.

Whether it’s water or sewage, moist floors can cause mold growth, which should be dealt with immediately since it can cause damage and lead to health problems.

For areas of mold that are larger than three feet, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends finding a professional mold remediation contractor. Smaller areas of mold can be cleaned with commercial cleaning products.

2. Roof and Ceiling Issues

How do you know if the water leak is a roof or ceiling problem? It depends on which level or story of the building the leak is discovered. For example, if the water leak is being seen at the top level, it’s likely a roof leak while a problem on a lower level is likely a ceiling leak.

Roofs

According to Chubb, 15% of commercial water damage claims are caused by roof leaks.

Based on the roof damage, you need to weigh your next steps. Learn more by checking out “Back to Basics: Should You Repair, Restore, or Replace Your Roof?” on Facilities Management Advisor.

Keep in mind that roof leaks can cause ceiling leaks.

Ceilings

If your ceiling is discolored, with yellow, brown, copper, or rusty stains, it’s a sign that there could be an issue above the ceiling or the roof.

The ceiling also could sag, and leaks could cause paint damage.

Unchecked ceiling leaks can result in structural damage and mold growth.

3. Unusual Sounds

Hearing odd sounds? A dripping sound could be the result of a leaking faucet. The EPA says that leaky faucets dripping at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons.

Perhaps you are hearing a gushing sound? Some professional plumbers believe that this could be the result of high-water pressure, clogged drains, or even condensation.

Other odd sounds can include vibrations and hums. Vibrations could indicate major damage to your pipes while a hum could be caused by a water loss from a fixture.

Always look to see if there is any visible moisture near the sound.

4. Unpleasant Odors

Strange odors can be caused by water leaks in your facility but how does it happen and what causes specific smells?

Moldy, earthly, and stale smells can mean damp conditions due to a water leak, which can cause mold and mildew to grow.

A foul and swampy odor can be the result of stagnant water in hidden areas of the facility leading to bacterial growth.

Sewage-like smells can happen when leaks cause wastewater to be brought into facility areas like walls or floors causing the growth of bacteria and organic matter.

Sour odors can happen when building materials, like wood or carpet, absorb water from leaks and break down releasing gases.

Rotten odors can be the result of hidden dead pests that have been exposed to or immersed in water from a leak.

5. Wall Paint and Wallpaper Peeling

Is the paint or wallpaper peeling or bubbling off the walls? Are your walls damp to the touch or are there visible wet spots? You likely have a water leak.

Moisture can additionally cause the backside of the drywall to soften and become mushy.

Water leaks inside walls can also result in difficult-to-remove stains or marks on walls.

Be sure to dry wet walls, scrape off bubbles or blisters, use a mold-killing solution if there is any mold, and prime and repaint the walls.

6. Usage Spikes

The EPA advises checking the water meter and submeters, especially during off-peak hours when water use is low. If the meter shows high use when the building is the least occupied, it could be a sign that there is a water leak.

Submeters and temporary flow meters can monitor areas of equipment quickly to detect problems.

Additionally, FMs should compile water bills from the last 12 months and compare readings to previous ones to determine trends. A utility management system can be used to track water usage over time.

7. Detection Alerts, Observations, and Reports

If your facility has leak detection and failure abatement devices on water-using equipment and alarms go off, it’s obvious something is wrong. The EPA says these alarms could mean equipment is malfunctioning or there is a water leak detected by abnormal increases in water flow.

FMs should listen and look in indoor and outdoor areas for unexpected water use. Examples of this use could include puddling water and running water.

There should be signs in your facility instructing employees, tenants, and visitors to report leaks to facilities management for repair. When the staff receives these reports, they should promptly investigate them.

Learn More

In addition to water leak problems, keep in mind that FMs should work to keep costs down for their organizations by cutting down on water waste in their facilities. To learn more, read “Back to Basics: 6 Tips to Fight Water Waste in Your Office Building,” on Facilities Management Advisor.

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