Fire sprinkler systems are essential for fire safety. Still, they can also cause significant water damage if they misfire, malfunction, or even continue to run long after extinguishing a fire. Given that a single sprinkler head can release as much as 60 gallons of water in a single minute, the damages can cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair if you can’t shut it off fast.
While the Shutgun Fire Sprinkler Shut Off Device is a tool that gives you the ability to quickly and easily deactivate a fire sprinkler head, it’s still important to know what to do in the first 24 hours after a fire sprinkler has caused water damage to your facility. This step-by-step guide will tell you what to do and how to avoid this scenario by equipping your building with the right number and types of Shutgun tools.
Step 1: Shut Off the Flow of Water ASAP
The faster you stop the flow of water, the less water damage you will have to deal with. Whether it was a misfire or the sprinkler system successfully extinguished a fire but is still running, you shouldn’t wait for a technician or first responder to shut it off for you.
Using the Shutgun Fire Sprinkler Shut Off Tool
As mentioned, a single handheld Shutgun can shut off a fire sprinkler system in seconds. So, it is recommended that you keep a Shutgun Fire Sprinkler Shut Off Tool near every fire extinguisher.
You can also purchase Shutgun devices explicitly designed to deactivate the exact type of sprinkler heads your building uses. If you have concealed head fire sprinklers, the Concealed Head Shutgun will allow you to reach in and shut them off. Likewise, the Sheared Head Shutgun will allow you to shut off damaged fire sprinkler heads.
Get the right tools for the job and make sure they are easily accessible throughout your entire building. Remember, when it comes to fire sprinkler water damage, seconds matter.
Step 2: Assess the Type and Scale of Damage
Once you’ve shut off all the fire sprinklers, you need to assess the water damage. Look for standing pools of water, water stains on the ceilings and walls, any electrical hazards, and any other type of damage you can see to the structure or assets within it.
If it’s just pooled water on a cement floor, you might get away with mopping it up. However, if you have drenched drywall and carpet, mould could be an issue, so you’ll likely need professional restoration services.
Step 3: Remove the Water and Dry the Area
Use mops or a wet/dry vacuum to remove any standing water as fast as possible. If possible, open windows and use fans and dehumidifiers to remove humidity and moisture from the air.
After unplugging all electronics using the correct safety gear, remove them from the area. Also, move all furniture, rugs, and inventory from the room.
Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Provider
After documenting the damage by taking photos and videos, contact your insurance provider as quickly as possible. List all damaged items and keep copies of repair estimates.
Step 5: Begin the Repair Process
After your insurance provider has given you the green light to inquire about professional repairs, the process of addressing the problem can begin. Make sure that they look for signs of mould and address them.
Remember, these issues can continue long after the visible water has been cleared, so it’s important to ensure the job is done thoroughly and professionally.
Final Words
While dealing with water damage caused by fire sprinkler systems is stressful, acting quickly will help you avoid unnecessary costs. In every single type of water damage scenario, the sooner you act, the better the result will be.
That said, avoiding water damage in the first place is always preferable to dealing with repairs. Having a Shutgun Fire Sprinkler Shut Off Tool readily available near every sprinkler head could save your business tens of thousands of dollars in repairs and downtime.
Building a Custom Shutgun Case is a great way to ensure you have the right types and numbers of tools for your unique needs. Once you have the tools, distribute them throughout the building. Having the right contact information readily available in case the worst happens is also a good idea, so it’s worth having the numbers for your insurance company and repair professionals ahead of time.