Water Will Find A Way
The Persistent Challenge in Facility Management

Water-related disasters are a universal concern, from minor leaks to catastrophic floods. David Trask, ARC Facilities National Director and host of the Facility Voices Podcast, frequently uses the phrase “water finds a way.” Water’s relentless ability to infiltrate buildings, damage infrastructure, and disrupt operations highlights its destructive potential in facility management. Even with advanced technologies and practices, swift and informed responses to water incidents are essential.

“It might not be even in your building, but water will find its way into your building whether it’s a water main break or a hurricane with a sweeping tide or a steam line,” said Guenevere Dean, Manager, Critical Systems, Sirius XM. “Water is a funny thing because it’s its own living entity.”

IFMA estimates that water damage repairs typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 per incident, but the cost of downtime and business interruptions often exceeds the physical damage.

Flooding, the most common and expensive natural disaster in the U.S., is another pressing concern. According to FEMA, just one inch of water can cause nearly $11,000 in damage to a small home, making it imperative that buildings be equipped with tools for swift action.

Real-Life Incidents Highlight the Impact of Water Damage

Water damage can occur without warning. Daniel Koenigsfeld, Director of Facilities and Grounds at Des Moines Christian School recounted a six-inch water main break that flooded their offices during a busy school morning. Despite the chaos, they managed to clean up and resume school operations the next day. The cost of repairs, however, was $75,000, and twelve offices were affected.

Theresa Smith, a Facilities Specialist with Cooperators Insurance, shared her experience with sprinkler system malfunctions and water leaks from coffee makers. Both incidents caused significant water damage to multiple floors of a building, costing thousands of dollars in repairs and underscoring the destructive nature of water, even in small quantities. Theresa emphasized that water is often more destructive than fire in a building setting, with water sources like HVAC systems, restrooms, and fire suppression systems posing constant risks.

The Role of Modern Technologies in Water Management

Advanced technologies are transforming water damage mitigation. Jared Mairs, a Building Maintenance Technician at Kitchell FM Services, highlighted the importance of water leak sensors and automatic shut-off valves, which can contain leaks in a matter of minutes. Real-time data and smart building management systems are essential in preventing water-related disasters. These technologies allow facility managers to stay ahead of potential issues and minimize damage through early detection.

Jared noted that some insurance companies offer annual discounts for installing water detection systems, incentivizing the use of these modern tools. Quick responses, supported by technology, can prevent costly water damage, including long-term structural issues and mold growth.

Preparedness and Training: Key to Minimizing Water Damage

While technology plays a significant role in mitigating water damage, proper planning and training are just as important. Facilities teams must have emergency protocols in place, ensuring they know the locations of shut-off valves and have quick access to building information. Being prepared to act swiftly during a water emergency makes a huge difference.

Lauren Grant from ATI Restoration pointed out that even small leaks can evolve into significant structural problems if not addressed promptly. Preventive measures, such as regular inspections, help identify vulnerabilities before they become major issues.

Water Mitigation Partnerships, Insurance and Compliance

When water disasters strike, partnering with a water mitigation company is crucial. These companies have the expertise, equipment, and resources to assess the situation quickly, extract water, dry affected areas, and prevent mold growth. By collaborating with these professionals, facility managers can restore operations more quickly, reduce downtime, and minimize repair costs.

Insurance documentation and claims are critical in the aftermath of water-related disasters. Scott Ployer from the National Property Management Strategies Group advises companies to review their insurance claims over the last three to five years to identify trends and areas for improvement. Preparation is key to avoiding insurance escalations, as rising premiums affect all sectors, from property management to home insurance.

Understanding coverage limits, exclusions, and timelines for filing claims is essential to ensure a smooth recovery after a disaster. Clear documentation of damage, including photos and videos, can expedite the insurance process and help secure the necessary funds for repairs.

Continuous Improvement Through Post-Incident Evaluation

After a water-related emergency, conducting a thorough evaluation is essential. By analyzing what worked and what didn’t, facility teams can improve their response plans for future incidents. Regular drills, updates to emergency plans, and incorporating lessons learned from real-world experiences can enhance resilience against future water-related disasters.

Staying Ahead of Water Emergencies & The Value of Instant Access to Building and Equipment Information

Water-related emergencies pose a significant threat to buildings, but with modern technologies, comprehensive planning, and training, facility teams can effectively mitigate the damage. From installing leak detection systems to fostering partnerships with water mitigation companies, the key to minimizing damage lies in being informed, prepared, and ready to act swiftly. By staying proactive, facility managers can protect their properties from the persistent threat of water and safeguard operations from costly interruptions.

“I’m not going to get to my computer quite as quick as I’m going to get to my phone,” said Guenevere. “If I can expand a drawing and explain to a technician or whoever is on-site to look at the third column near the fourth ceiling tile over, then we can effectively solve a problem in real-time.”

One of the most critical aspects of managing water-related emergencies is having instant access to building and equipment information via mobile devices, a benefit ARC Facilities provides through its platform.

 

Check out our whitepaper Water Will Find a Way:The Impact of Water-Related Emergencies on Buildings and the Value of Instant Access to Critical Information for even more in depth information on this topic.