Your salon contains many appliances and devices that use water for their operation. And if left unchecked, each has the potential to cause thousands of dollars in damage and shut down your business entirely.

Universal Insurance has developed a check list to help you prevent water damage and keep your business running smoothly.

Here are the Top 5 Ways you can Prevent Water Damage:

Spray Tan Systems

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. 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 a risk for 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 – including the floor surrounding the entrance way.
• This is important, even with hand-held devices, as spray tanning solution is very slick and even a slight film on the floor can cause serious injury.

Consult the manufacturer for information on proper hose and valve connections as well as preventive maintenance.

Washing Machines

Water line bursts 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 2 years.

Toilets & Sinks

Toilet and sink related incidents are often caused by faulty supply lines, toilet flanges, fill valve assemblies or toilets that are backed 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 valves for toilets and sinks in case of emergency.

Water Heaters

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 5 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.

Roof Leaks

Roof leaks are among the most common sources 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 & vents. For 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.

For More Information and to View Our Educational Video: http://uiprograms.com/tanning/water-damage/