Fire sprinkler systems are essential for protecting lives and property, but they can also cause ruinously expensive water damage when they accidentally discharge, malfunction, or leak, turning a safety measure into a source of costly repairs.
While emergency water damage restoration can quickly and effectively address these challenges and help to minimize the financial consequences of water damage, it’s also important to remember the best way to protect your business is to prevent fire sprinkler-related water damage from occurring in the first place.
Regular fire sprinkler maintenance and equipment like the Shutgun Fire Sprinkler Shut Off Tool can be the best way to prevent damage before it spirals out of control.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about emergency water damage restoration services and how to mitigate the risks of water damage from occurring in the first place.
The Cost of Malfunctioning Sprinklers
While fire sprinklers are designed to activate only during emergencies, defective components, false alarms, or accidental impacts can all cause them to expel water unnecessarily.
Plus, very few fire sprinkler systems have automatic shut-offs, so even if a fire has triggered them, they can continue to release water, leading to costly water damage even after the sprinkler system has successfully extinguished the fire.
The resulting water damage can cause costly damage to the building’s walls, ceilings, floors, electrical systems, inventory, and any other water-sensitive assets.
Given that a single fire sprinkler head can release over 60 gallons of water in a single minute, the damages can be significant, especially if the water is allowed to continue running and pooling for a considerable length of time.
The Shutgun Fire Sprinkler Shut Off Device
In situations where a single activated sprinkler head is releasing water, a simple hand-held tool like the Shutgun can be incredibly valuable. Rather than waiting for first responders or a fire sprinkler maintenance team, the Shutgun empowers individuals to stop the water flow quickly, preventing further water damage.
Specialized versions of the tool, like the Sheared Head Shutgun, can deactivate damaged sprinkler heads so they will not cause excess water damage while waiting to be repaired. Other versions are designed for various types of fire sprinkler heads, like the Concealed Head Shutgun or the Institutional Shutgun.
To protect your business or organization, keep the appropriate type of Shutgun within reach of every fire extinguisher. This ensures they can be easily located and used if a misfiring fire sprinkler causes water damage.
What Is Emergency Water Damage Restoration?
When fire sprinkler-related water damage cannot be avoided, emergency water damage restoration services can help repair the damage and prevent it from worsening. These professional teams specialize in mitigating damage by removing water quickly so it does not have the chance to cause serious long-term damage to the property, such as encouraging the spread of mold, mildew, and rot.
This can also help prevent many long-term health consequences of untreated water damage. Once the pooled water has been removed, these teams also work to dry out affected areas properly, making restoring the property to its original condition much easier.
Steps in Water Damage Restoration
Emergency water damage restoration services vary depending on the needs of the situation, but most providers tend to follow the same basic steps.
Assessment and Water Removal
The team will evaluate the extent of the damage and quickly remove any standing water using industrial pumps and vacuums.
Drying and Dehumidification
Industrial fans and dehumidifiers pull moisture from the walls, floors, and air to prevent mold growth, corrosion, and rot.
Cleaning and Sanitization
More elaborate services can help prevent potential health risks associated with water damage by thoroughly cleaning any affected areas. This ensures that employees and other personnel can safely return to the property.
Repair and Restoration
Once the emergency restoration services have concluded, damaged materials are repaired or replaced so that the impacted business, organization, or residential building can continue to function as it did before the water damage.
Final Words
While water damage emergency restoration can be effective, it is always better to prevent unnecessary damage from occurring in the first place. Ensuring your fire sprinkler system is well-maintained and regularly inspected and that you have invested in the Shutgun family of tools can help save you tens of thousands of dollars while ensuring that your business is prepared to address fires and potential water damage situations.
Learn more and invest in the Shutgun today to ensure you are prepared for the worst.