Stop Water Damage in Your Restaurant Before It Starts

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

Phoenix restaurants have been hit hard by the recent COVID situation, and are just now opening their doors to welcome back patrons and start generating revenue again. Nothing can be more devastating for a restaurant than to experience water damage that forces the business to close yet again. Here are a few tips to stop water damage in your restaurant before it starts.

Use your commercial dishwasher properly

Dishwashers are notorious for causing floods in restaurants. While they’re designed to be a convenience that can wash dishes while you attend to cooking and serving, there are a few tips to follow to ensure they don’t cause a flood. It is tempting to put lots of dishes and utensils in the dishwasher to get more clean in each load. However, overcrowding can cause flooding which can lead to water damage. An over-filled dishwasher is much more likely to leak. It is better to do a couple of smaller loads than trying to fit everything into one big load. Make sure every staff member knows which detergent is best. Always use a dishwashing detergent, and always follow the manufacturer instructions. The incorrect dishwashing detergent or too much of the correct cleaning agent might cause suds or even a blockage.

Keep dishwashers and sinks well-maintained

Loose hinges, misaligned door latches, or broken seals, can all cause leaks in dishwashers. Simply adjusting and tightening a few screws may fix the problem. However, if it is not possible to right the door or seal, it is better to replace the appliance. Hoses and drains in dishwashers and sinks can develop cracks or other wear over time. Constant use might corrode hoses make a hole, and aging hoses can become unstable or cease to fit properly. Check all the components of the sink and dishwasher regularly and replace it at the first sign of wear and tear.

Don’t be careless with water

While it’s true that “a watched pot never boils”, an unattended pot being filled with water will likely flood every time! Make sure your staff knows that any time there running water being used, filling a sink, or filling a pot, they should never walk away until the water is turned off. That simple step can help prevent water damage in your restaurant.

Water damage can be devastating for restaurants. In the event of a leak, SERVPRO’s IICRC-certified technicians are on hand to help with cleanup. We extract water from your premises and use dehumidifiers and air movers to dry the surrounding area so you can resume business as soon as possible. If you experience any kind of water damage, reach out to SERVPRO of East Phoenix 24/7 at 602-507-6163.