When a pipe bursts in a condo building, it doesn’t take long for the water to fill up hallways, stairwells and individual units. The incident may end quickly, but the effects can be felt for weeks after the water has been cleaned up.
Top Causes of Condo Floods: What to Look Out For
Plumbing Issues: Leaking or burst pipes within condo units or in common areas can lead to significant water damage. This may occur due to aging pipes, corrosion, high water pressure, or poor installation.
Appliance Malfunctions: Faulty appliances such as water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators can leak or overflow, causing water damage. Regular maintenance and inspections of these appliances are essential for preventing such incidents.
HVAC System Issues: Problems with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, including leaking pipes, clogged drains, or malfunctioning condensation lines, can result in water damage.
Poor Maintenance: It is essential for condo associations and residents to take preventive measures such as regular inspections, maintenance, and prompt repairs to minimize the risk of floods and mitigate potential damage.
Construction Defects: Poor construction practices or defects in the building envelope can lead to water intrusion and subsequent damage over time.
Fire Sprinkler Malfunctions: While fire sprinkler systems are crucial for safety in high-rise buildings, malfunctions or accidental discharges can cause significant water damage if not promptly addressed.
External Factors: High-rise condos are often more exposed to extreme weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy rain, or freezing temperatures, which can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and lead to water damage.
What Should You Do After Finding Water Damage?
Stop the leak: If a leak starts in a unit, the owner must contact an emergency plumber as soon as possible. Then they should call the condo manager or front desk. If someone notices a leak coming from an unknown source, they should be instructed to call the condo manager or front desk. If it seems like a pipe might have burst, they may even contact the fire department. Firefighters can usually locate the water shut-off valve and will likely arrive at the building more quickly than a plumber.
Document the damage: Once a professional has stopped the leak, a restoration company can assist to document the water damage. This can help when submitting an insurance claim.
Call your insurance provider: Report the incident and offer as many details as possible about the source of the leak or flood, extent of damage, and steps that have been taken to reduce further damage.
Call a water damage restoration company: Even though the initial damage has been done, additional damage can occur if water is left to sit. A water damage restoration company in Toronto will remove all standing water from the floors, and then remove moisture from the affected areas. Water damage restoration may also involve drywall removal, carpet cleaning, wood floor repair, odor control, air duct cleaning and mold removal; it’s not a job that most of us can do ourselves.
Find a place to stay: If the water has made a condo unit uninhabitable, the owner will need to find a place to live temporarily. Their insurance may cover the costs if they need to book a hotel room for a week.
Working with Insurance Companies
Navigating the complexities of insurance claims can be daunting, especially in the aftermath of a traumatic event. Fortunately, SELECT Restoration Services is here to ease the burden. We have extensive experience working closely with insurance companies, providing detailed documentation and transparent communication every step of the way. From assessing damages to negotiating with adjusters, we advocate for our clients to ensure that they receive the full compensation they deserve.
What Can Property Managers Do to Minimize the Risk of a Flood?
While some water accidents are hard to prevent, owners and condo managers take some of the following steps to minimize the risk of a flood:
Develop and maintain comprehensive emergency preparedness plans that outline procedures for responding to flooding and water damage.
Implement a schedule for regular inspections of the condo’s plumbing systems, including pipes, valves, and fittings, to identify and address any leaks or potential issues before they escalate.
Offer information to owners about how to properly care for appliances. Install stainless steel braided lines instead of rubber hoses on washing machines and large appliances.
Consider water sensors or a water shut-off device if you are concerned about recurring leaks.
Check to see if your personal insurance coverage is adequate to protect against water damage-related risks.
Review and update the building’s insurance policies regularly to ensure they provide sufficient coverage for potential losses.
Make Us Your FIRST CALL in an Emergency
When disaster strikes your condo building or commercial property, SELECT Restoration Services in Toronto, ON is the name you can trust to restore your condominium and your peace of mind. With our expertise in fire and water damage restoration, comprehensive contents packing, moving, and storage services, and commitment to excellence, we are proud to be Toronto's premier choice for commercial property damage restoration. Let us be your partner in rebuilding and restoring what matters most.
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2-261 Bering Avenue
Toronto, ON M8Z 3A5
☎️ Toronto: 416-236-0660
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