Protecting Your Church From Water Damage
If you’re thinking about water damage in your church, flooding is likely the first thing that comes to mind. While devastating, floodwaters
are not the most common culprit of damage.
It’s the sources of water on your property that cause the majority of issues.
We’re talking about your water fountains, hot water heaters, pipes, restroom fixtures and sprinkler systems. Each is necessary to keep your church
functioning smoothly. But too often, they’re an afterthought.
Routine maintenance is neglected, leading to significant problems. You walk in one Wednesday evening to find the basement full of water. Or a water fountain
has leaked for three days and flooded the entire educational wing of your church. Something as small as an ⅛-inch crack in one of your pipes can leak 250 gallons in one day.
Water damage in a church is costly. Cleaning and repairing damaged property can cost thousands of dollars, not to mention the inconvenience caused to your congregation.
The most important step you can take to prevent water loss damage is to make sure it doesn’t happen in the first place.
4 Steps to Prevent Water Loss Damage
We cannot stress enough how important it is to routinely inspect your sources of water. What starts as a small leak, if undetected, can turn into a major problem.
Following these four steps will help you prevent water damage and protect your church property:
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Establish a Routine Inspection Schedule
Develop a schedule for your staff or volunteers to inspect toilets, pipes, water heaters, faucets, water fountains and any other source of water in your church.
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Install Water Leak Detectors
Purchasing a few leak detectors can notify you of a problem that you may not notice otherwise. Check out this link for several good options to buy
for your church. It’s an inexpensive way to keep tabs on your water supply, especially in leak-prone areas or places that don’t have much foot traffic.
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Monitor Your Building’s Temperature
Keeping your buildings at a minimum temperature will prevent pipe bursting during the cold winter months. Many churches have this problem - especially in
regions that experience sub-freezing weather less frequently. Pipes in attic and crawl space areas should be insulated.
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Know Where Your Shut-Off Valves Are Located
Record where the main water valves on your property are located and make sure those who frequent your buildings can access them quickly in case of an emergency.
Coverage to Protect Your Church
Southern Mutual Church Insurance Company is here to protect your church in times of need. But we also want to help you prevent problems from happening. Water damage
is costly and can cause disruptions in your ministry.
The loss and ensuing claims process can increase your out-of-pocket costs. That’s money that could be used elsewhere. By taking a few simple steps, you can
mitigate water loss damage and keep your church safe and dry.
