iMonnit Portal
Put Proactive and Preventive Risk Management Measures in Place
Key Takeaways
- Water damage is a top business risk. Leaks cost U.S. insurers over $10 billion annually—more than half of all commercial insurance claims—making proactive prevention essential.
- Even minor leaks can cause significant disruption. Undetected water intrusion can lead to downtime, unsafe working conditions, structural damage, and costly remediation.
- Leaks threaten health, safety, and efficiency. Standing water breeds mold, degrades air quality, weakens insulation, and forces HVAC systems to work harder, thereby raising energy costs.
- Regular risk assessments prevent disasters. Inspect plumbing, roofs, basements, and foundations for hidden vulnerabilities before weather or wear causes damage.
- Smart sensors strengthen risk management. ALTA® Water Detection Sensors provide early alerts for leaks or flooding, helping you act fast, prevent loss, and protect insurance coverage.
Water damage from leaks costs the U.S. insurance industry over $10 billion annually, accounting for more than half of all commercial insurance claims, according to the American Insurance Association.
Storms, frozen pipes, and plumbing leaks can cause rapid flooding or slow water intrusion, leading to structural damage, mold growth, and harm to interior finishes and furnishings. The costs of fixing water damage can quickly rise, covering cleanup, remediation, and restoration expenses.
Revenue Loss & Business Disruption
The financial and business continuity impact due to water intrusion can be significant. Water damage can disrupt business operations, resulting in downtime, reduced productivity, and financial losses. In office buildings, for example, water damage can render workspaces unsafe, forcing employees to relocate or work remotely, which further disrupts workflow and collaboration.
Health & Safety Risks
Building water leaks can quickly pose health and safety risks to occupants, so proactive measures are required to prevent water infiltration and mitigate its adverse effects.
According to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration (IICRC S500), there are three categories of water damage: sanitary, gray, or black.
Clean water comes from safe, sanitary sources and doesn’t pose an immediate health threat. Considerably contaminated gray water has high levels of bacteria, mold, or chemicals, posing significant health risks. Disgustingly contaminated black water contains disease-causing organisms and toxins.
In any case, timing is imperative to prevent even supposedly sanitary water from turning gray or black in 24 to 48 hours. Additionally, water leaks increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls, posing liability concerns for building owners and property managers.
Energy Efficiency Drops
Water intrusion impacts a building’s energy efficiency and sustainability. Water and moisture infiltration weaken envelopes, degrade insulation capabilities, and diminish HVAC capacity.
Building systems end up working more to maintain indoor climate conditions, resulting in increasing energy consumption and costs. Obviously, water leaks in plumbing result in water waste, undermining your efforts to conserve water.
Regularly Assess Where Water Can Intrude
As part of your water damage risk management plan, it’s essential to evaluate potential entry points for water from the outside and identify potential threats within your building. Consider both weather-related and non-weather-related risks to proactively prevent leaks or intrusion before they occur or soon after.
Water leaks are among the most common and costly facility management challenges—often developing silently behind walls, beneath floors, or above ceilings. While some leaks are apparent within hours, others can go undetected for months or even years, leading to structural damage, mold growth, and equipment failure. Understanding the many ways water can infiltrate a building is the first step toward prevention.
