Brand Story – A Water Damage Prevention Plan (WDPP) is a critical element in controlling water losses in commercial buildings and can prevent or reduce such losses.
Did you know water damage is a leading cause of commercial property losses? Water damage can come from a host of sources, both interior and exterior, that can lead to significant building damage and resulting financial loss. A Water Damage Prevention Plan (WDPP) is a critical element in controlling water losses in commercial buildings and can prevent or reduce such losses.
Water Damage Prevention Pre-Planning
Coordinating with individuals who understand the building’s structural and mechanical systems is crucial. The goal is to create a list ranking the likelihood of water intrusion from high to low. Identifying risks such as “accidental discharge,” “pipe freeze-ups,” and “sprinkler leakage” is the first step in planning for water damage prevention.
Sources of Interior Water
- Plumbing/equipment, piping, drains
- Fire sprinklers/piping and sprinkler heads
- Mechanical systems/evaporators and piping
- Wet areas such as a shower, bath or laundry
- Condensation sources
- Pool/spa plumbing and associated pumps
Sources of Exterior Water
- Adjacent properties
- Exterior plumbing/city water supply
- Foundations
- Groundwater
- Irrigation systems
- Roofs and roof drains
- Siding
- Septic systems
- Waterproofing
- Windows and doors
As the process proceeds, remain flexible and consider additional facts and concerns that may have been missed during the initial planning stage. Allow the WDPP to mature as time goes on. Consider implementing a capital budget set aside for roofing, updates and other repairs. Remember, planning is key to making water damage prevention manageable. While preparing your WDPP, consider also preparing for severe weather. Read our 4 tips for preparing your building and policy and learn how to best protect your commercial property.
Dominique Easterling is a Sales Executive at the Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA) Beaverton, Oregon office. His focus is on partnering with businesses and organizations to proactively prepare for risks & interruptions & strategize a plan to minimize their dependency on insurance carriers. He also takes lead with non-profit organizations helping Executive Directors frustrated with limited funding & resources, aiming to maximize their operational impact, and challenged with high turnover rates. Contact Dominique by email [email protected] or by phone (503) 985- 2154.
Looking to protect your personal property from water damage? Visit our home insurance page to receive a quote and additional advice from one of our trusted agents.
