1. Inspect Plumbing and Fixtures Regularly
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Schedule quarterly inspections of pipes, faucets, toilets, and water heaters.
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Check for corrosion, condensation, or minor leaks—these are often early warnings of bigger issues.
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Ensure proper insulation around exposed pipes, especially in colder climates.
2. Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is
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Every maintenance supervisor and manager should know the exact location of the water main shutoff.
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Label it clearly and make sure it's easy to access in an emergency.
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Consider posting a diagram near utility areas.
3. Install Leak Detection Systems
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Use smart leak sensors in high-risk areas like restrooms, kitchens, mechanical rooms, and basements.
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Connect sensors to a centralized alarm or mobile alerts for 24/7 monitoring.
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For larger buildings, look into automatic shutoff valves that activate when a leak is detected.
4. Maintain Your Roof and Gutters
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Flat commercial roofs are notorious for drainage issues.
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Clear gutters and downspouts seasonally, especially before winter or rainy seasons.
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Schedule professional roof inspections annually and after major storms.
5. Store Important Assets and Inventory Off the Floor
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Never store sensitive equipment, documents, or inventory directly on the ground.
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Use shelving or pallets to keep valuable items elevated, particularly in storage rooms and basements.
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Consider waterproof bins for critical documents.
6. Review and Update Emergency Contact Lists
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Maintain a current list of emergency contacts: preferred restoration company, plumbers, building maintenance, and insurance providers.
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Post the list in visible places—like break rooms and utility closets.
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Include an after-hours protocol so staff knows who to call at any time.
7. Train Your Staff on Emergency Protocols
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Conduct drills or short training sessions twice a year.
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Walk through steps like:
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Identifying a water emergency
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Shutting off the water
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Notifying management and your restoration partner
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Keep written instructions near key areas.
8. Work With a Professional Water Restoration Partner
Pre-establish a relationship with a trusted restoration company (like us!) so you're not scrambling during an emergency. We offer priority response agreements or emergency response plans customized for your property. Please contact us if you're interested in creating a custom plan.
Final Thoughts
Water damage doesn’t just affect property—it disrupts business, creates safety hazards, and can lead to costly insurance claims. By following this checklist, you’re taking proactive steps to protect your people, your assets, and your bottom line.
Need help building a customized emergency water response plan for your property?
📞 Contact ServiceMaster Restore of Red Deer today to schedule a free consultation or property walk-through.