[gap height=”15″]
Your salon contains many appliances and devices that operate with water, and each of these, if left unchecked, has the potential to cause thousands of dollars in damage or shut down your business, entirely.
[gap height=”15″]
Universal Insurance has developed a checklist to help you prevent water damage and keep your business running smoothly.
[gap height=”15″]
Here are the Top 5 ways you can prevent water damage in your salon:
[gap height=”15″][gap height=”15″]
1. Spray-Tan Systems
[gap height=”15″]
Many water damage claims are related to faulty spray-tanning systems. And to make matters worse, incidents often occur at night when the salon is closed. Because they can force your salon and the surrounding businesses to shut down, these claims can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
[gap height=”15″]
Spray-tan systems pump water, spray-tan solution and waste water, often through long hose lines running inside your salon. The spray-tan solution can be corrosive to the hoses and valves, creating risk of a leak with catastrophic consequences.
- Check all connections, valves and hoses daily, inside and outside the unit.
- Do not run hoses over walls, through drop-ceilings or around corners.
- Install a shut-off valve or lever at the water source and be sure to shut the water off at the end of each business day.
- Check the waste pump frequently. Often located under the unit’s floor, these pumps can easily clog with hair and residue resulting in significant damage.
- Wipe down the entire unit nightly, including the floor surrounding the entrance way. This is important, even with hand-held devices, as spray-tan solution is very slick and even a slight film on the floor can cause serious slip-and-fall risk.
- Consult the manufacturer for information on proper hose and valve connections, as well as preventive maintenance.
[gap height=”15″][gap height=”15″]
2. Washing Machines
[gap height=”15″]
Water line breaks are responsible for 50% of all damage related to washing machines with an average cost of around $5,000.
- Never operate your washing machine while your salon is closed or unoccupied.
- Install an easy-to-access lever-type shut-off valve and turn the supply valves off when not in use or when your salon is closed. Ensure that the connections to the valves are secure.
- Leave a 3-to-4-inch gap between the back of the washing machine and the wall to avoid kinking the hose.
- Check hoses frequently for cracks, kinks or blisters, especially near the hose connection. Replace hoses every two years.
[gap height=”15″][gap height=”15″]
3. Toilets & Sinks
[gap height=”15″]
Toilet and sink-related incidents are often caused by faulty supply lines, toilet flanges, fill valve assemblies or toilets that back up due to foreign objects being flushed.
- Frequently inspect your toilets and sinks, especially at opening and closing times. Look and listen to ensure that no water is running.
- Inspect the flushing mechanism inside the toilet every month. Replace the flapper or fill valve assembly if you notice the tank refilling when the toilet is not in use.
- Inspect connections and supply lines frequently and replace defective or kinked hoses.
- Finally, ensure that your staff knows how to shut off toilets and sink valves in case of emergency.
[gap height=”15″][gap height=”15″]
4. Water Heaters
[gap height=”15″]
Hot water heaters are often tucked away in a back closet where they are rarely seen or inspected. The chance that a water heater will leak or burst dramatically increases after just five years and 75% will fail in less than 12.
- Have a professional plumber inspect the entire system, including the anode rod, at least once every year.
- Remove sediment by flushing the tank every four to six months.
[gap height=”15″][gap height=”15″]
5. Roof Leaks
[gap height=”15″]
Roof leaks are among the most common causes of water damage.
- Check the general condition of your roof frequently and particularly after bad weather. Look for cracks and inspect the areas around chimneys and vents. On flat roofs, look for pooled water which could leak into your salon.
- Whether you rent or own the building, get an up-to-date, detailed inspection report that includes the condition of the flashing, roof covering, parapets and drainage system.
[gap height=”15″]
Water has the potential to cause thousands of dollars in damage or shut down your business, entirely.
