Helping Nursing Homes With Water Damage

Preventing water damage in a nursing home or assisted living facility is incredibly important. The tenants that call these buildings home require 24/7 care. Much of the population is dependent on help from the facility staff if an emergency arises. That’s why something as small as an overflowing sink needs to be taking care of immediately before it can cause major water damage to the rest of the community.

What Can Cause Water Damage?

Water damage can range from small leaks to larger floods, but even the smallest amount of water could result in resident relocation if necessary. Resident protection is first and foremost on the list during any type of emergency.
Many things can cause water damage – and not all of them are preventable.

• Leaky and burst pipes can occur from frozen pipes, unregulated water pressure, or old plumbing.
• Plumbing issues are usually hidden between the walls, making leaks hard to detect. Dripping faucets, running or dripping toilets, and leaks around showers or tubs are indicators that something may be off with the facility’s plumbing.
• Cracked or worn appliance hoses can lead to flooding. Refrigerators or dishwashers are susceptible to deterioration and should be checked regularly.
• HVAC units could cause accumulation of moisture if not serviced on a regular basis. This can also become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Clogged gutters can cause flooding by allowing water to overflow and seep into the home and surrounding areas.
• Sewage backups can lead to backups in floor drains, toilets, showers, etc. Since wastewater is toxic, this problem needs to be handled immediately.

Include the following information in your escape plan:

Preventing Water Damage

While water damage is troublesome in any home, in a multi-unit community the threat of water damage becomes even more serious. As a healthcare facility, there is life-saving equipment that must be protected and remain in working order. Electronic equipment and water do not mix – keeping water away from medical machines is step one in protecting nursing home residents.

• Regular maintenance in the facility can help prevent damage from happening. Call in a plumber to check the plumbing for blockages, cracks in the pipes, or leaks that may go undetected without regular checks.
• Facility maintenance should be performed at the change of each season. This includes checking the gutters for any debris including leaves, sticks, dirt, mud – anything that can clog the gutters and keep them from draining water properly from the building.
• Check windows and roofs for any signs of leaks. This can include cracks, leaky seals, or broken tiles.
• Are appliances up to date? Hoses on washers, refrigerators, and dishwashers should be checked every six months for signs of wear or cracks.

Have Alpha-omega Disaster Restoration on Speed Dial

Even when planning and maintenance are perfect, water damage can still happen. That’s why working with a restoration company like Alpha-Omega can help ease your mind if water damage occurs in your nursing home facility.

Our experts are available to help 24/7 and we specialize in commercial water damage restoration. We will find the cause of the problem and get your business back up and running as quickly as possible. In this case, the safety of your residents being our top priority. Visit our website for more information on how we can help with flooding or small water damage issues.