With news headlines still flashing about the flooding happening throughout the Southeast, it’s hard to ignore how many business owners are starting to sweat over floods. Kentucky’s February floods were the most famous, causing massive destruction to everything in their wake.
As a business owner, it’s normal to get a little worried about flood damages. One major flood can be enough to put a salon out of business—at least for a couple of months. Thankfully, we are not powerless to limit the amount of water damage we experience in some cases.
Flooding doesn’t always happen during inclement weather. It can also happen in areas that are dry as a bone. All it takes is one single mishap to cause water damage. Prevention is always key. These tips below will help you avoid major water damage without too much of a hassle…
#1: Rent (Or Buy) Wisely
You know what they say! It’s all about location, location, location. If you rent or own a salon in a flood-prone area, you’re putting yourself in the crosshairs of water damage. When picking out your location, check to see what the flood risk assessment says about the region.
If you can, try to get a venue in an area that has a low flood risk. Better still, try to find out the history of the building. Has it been flooded before? Was there water damage or mold? Pick a place that isn’t flood-prone and has little history of flooding.
On a similar note, flood zones aren’t the only thing you have to keep your eye out for. If you are seeking out a new venue to rent, it’s vital that you choose a good rental agent as well as a good landlord company. A company that reputable will address major issues before it turns into a problem for your company.
In other words, you need to view your venue’s location as the major decision it is—and factor in the importance of water-related issues. This won’t always entirely prevent you from experiencing a flood, but it will prevent you from dealing with potentially avoidable damage.
#2: Check Your Washer!
We all love the feeling of crisp, fresh, clean towels that come out of our salon’s washer-dryer setups, don’t we? While washers are a major part of salon life, they also can be a major source of water damage.
Washers can leak—and when they do, they can be sneaky. If you don’t check your washers on a weekly basis, you might miss a leak for months before it becomes noticeable. By that time, you’re not just dealing with a leak. You’re dealing with mold and water damage on your walls and floor
#3: Check Your Toilets And Sinks
While not as sneaky as washer leaks, your bathroom facilities can also cause quite a bit of flooding if not checked regularly. Toilets and sinks can both cause serious flooding damage—especially when it comes to plumbing mishaps.
Much like a weekly washer check, you should check your bathroom facilities at least once a week. Ideally, you’ll check them daily as you clean them. Unlike washing machines, you might also want to call a plumber if you start noticing a musty aroma within the bathroom.
Toilets and sinks have major plumbing lines that run behind walls. If you have a leak behind your wall, you might not know until you notice a musty smell—or even a wet spot. So, if you want to curb water damage, follow your nose. It can “see” where your eyes can’t!
#4: Check Your Spray Tan Systems
Wait, spray tan systems can flood? Yep. Quite a few water damage claims happen when spray tan systems break. These systems pump tanning chemicals, water, and wastewater through those systems. If your system breaks down, you’ll be left with a bunch of wastewater on the floor of your salon.
Because spray tanners are used so frequently, they should be inspected and deep-cleaned daily. Spray tan solution is highly corrosive and can easily eat away at your piping. To prevent issues, have a storewide shut-off valve that you activate as soon as it’s closing time.
The less water going through your systems, the less likely it is you’ll have a leak in the morning. If you use handheld devices, don’t think you’re off the hook. Smaller machines can also leak if they are not well-maintained and disconnected at the end of the day.
#5: Check Your Water Heater
With all the cleaning, laundry and rinsing a typical tanning salon does, is it any surprise to hear that water heaters often go on overtime? Water heaters, much like all other major pieces of plumbing, are prone to leaks and malfunctions if not maintained properly.
To keep your water heater running well, make sure to check it at least once a month for leaks. If you notice difficulties with getting hot water, an unusual noise coming from the heater, or any other mishaps, call a plumber.
Water heaters also suffer from sediment buildup—sand and grit found in water that settles at the bottom of the tank. The standard maintenance here is to have a specialist drain the sediment from your tank every six months to a year.
#6: Hit Your Roof
Even the most solidly-built buildings have the potential to have a leaky roof, especially during storms that have high wind speeds. Rooftop leaks are particularly treacherous because you won’t notice them indoors until it’s far too late—often after mold or structural damage has made an appearance.
If you want to ensure your building stays safe, check the roof of your salon after every major storm. If you notice shingles missing or a dent in the roof, call your insurance company. You might have a claim that can help you fix the damage before it gets too ugly.
#7: Remember To Maintain Your Property
At the end of the day, the easiest way to prevent water damage is to keep your salon well-maintained. If you are a property owner, then it’s important to treat your real estate like the investment it is. A well-maintained venue will always be more profitable than a venue falling apart at the seams.
If you’re renting, this should be part of your landlord’s job. Having a good line of communication with your landlord is the easiest way to ensure that your business isn’t put in jeopardy by a lack of maintenance.
The more you focus on building maintenance, the less likely it is that you will need to worry about water issues in the future. It’s just that simple!
