How To Respond To Accidental Fire Sprinkler Discharge

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

A fire sprinkler system can be discharged unintentional and cause damage.

As with any automated system, there is a potential for fire sprinklers to discharge accidentally. When this happens, your commercial property could be exposed to soaking. (Flooding is unlikely.) While this risk is minimal (one in 16,000,000, according to loss prevention professionals,) it is important to know how to respond.

Causes of Unintentional Discharge

Although discharges are already very rare, it is possible to avoid them by recognizing the things that prompt an accidental discharge:

• Freezing temperatures can cause water in wet pipe fire sprinklers to freeze and expand, putting pressure on the pipes from within.
  
• Sprinkler systems are designed to discharge when exposed to high heat, so if the pipes or sprinkler heads are situated near heaters, windows in the sun, and other sources of heat, they may discharge.
  
• Corrosion may weaken sprinkler system components, especially in older systems that haven't been maintained.
  
• Rough treatment and any type of impact can cause damage to components or parts to separate. The best way to avoid the discharge from any damage of this type is consistent inspections and maintenance.
  
  

Remember that flooding from fire sprinkler systems is extremely rare, and the systems are designed to keep your Rocky Mount, NC, property safe.

Steps To Take After Discharge

In the event of water damage from an accidental discharge, there are certain steps you should take:

• Contact your insurance company. The damage may be covered if you work with your representative from the beginning.
  
• Keep track of the details of the incident. Fully document the discharge and the damage caused by the water. Take photos of the affected part of your building and any damaged property.
  
• Once you receive the go-ahead from your insurance company, contact water damage cleanup and recovery professionals to minimize primary and secondary damage.
  

Remember that you are ultimately responsible for maintaining and repairing the sprinkler system. Without proper care, the risk of discharge increases and so does the risk of water damage.

Flooding from fire sprinkler systems is rare, and appropriate maintenance goes a long way toward further minimizing the risk of accidental discharge. Your Rocky Mount, NC, property is safer with the systems, so keep inspections and maintenance on your calendar.