How to Handle a Misfire of Fire Sprinklers

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

Fire sprinkler are a boon to many businesses for their ability to stop fires in their early stages from consuming more property and becoming costlier. In some situations, these systems can unexpectedly trigger when there is no fire. This leads to flooding and its associated expenses. You can act to mitigate the water’s threat by understanding the causes of defects and how to stop the system during an incident.

Causes of a Fire Sprinkler Gone Awry

Sprinkler systems have safeguards to stop them from deploying except during a fire. There are several circumstances that can cause them to errantly deploy:

• Frozen pipes causing pressure to break pipes and leak
• Abnormal heat from abnormally hot weather or roof damage letting heat in
• Damage to the mechanism by service work done in or around the ceiling by yourself or others
• Vandalism for scrap parts or with the intention of committing insurance fraud using arson
• Metal corrosion from stagnant water in the pipes or sprinklers

Stopping the Water From Causing Property Damage

The most important step for stopping sprinklers from flooding your business it to identify where your business’ water shutoff valve is located. You should familiarize yourself with its operation, so you can stop the sprinklers if there is no fire. In case you are absent, other trusted employees should also be informed of it.

Water damage can ultimately be prevented with occasional professional inspection of your fire sprinklers. Proper maintenance ensures the system will deploy only when you need it. It’s good practice to make sure the sprinklers are clear of obstructions and not used to hang decorations. Misuse risks damaging the units.

Handling the Aftermath

Your insurance should be contacted and informed of the fire sprinkler malfunction to work out coverage. A professional water damage restoration crew is preferred to handle water removal and repair. Your actions impact the total cost of such services. With proper measures taken before and during a defective sprinkler incident, you can prevent extensive flooding to your business.

If you are in need of Water Remediation specialist, call SERVPRO of Texarkana 24/7   (903)832-4400