What To Do If Your Sprinkler System Goes Off

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

The overhead sprinkler system in your home or business is there to keep occupants safe from injuries during a fire. However, when they do go off, there is going to be a mess to clean up, which is usually time-consuming and labor-intensive. You know that it is important to handle any sort of water issues immediately in order to avoid the costly problems that can arise from your damp property, such as mold and mildew. Today we wanted to share a few tips to help make cleanup a bit easier. 

• Prompt Assistance. Prompt professional assistance following a sprinkler discharge could be vital in saving your property and your belongings from permanent damage. Your actions in the first 24-48 hours can save you significant time and money and eliminate subsequent mold growth. 
• Professional Followup. Professional followup will also be a big help when it comes to odors, and professionals can accurately evaluate the water damage and potential for mold growth in hidden areas, as well as ensure that any affected building materials are dry prior to work area rebuilding. We recommend that you hire an independent water damage and mold remediation expert to represent you during planning, response, and closeout, and work together with your insurance carrier. 
• Piping. Water within the sprinkler system is stagnant and non-potable, and the water picks up and absorbs oils and other contaminants within the piping, resulting in discoloration and odors from sediments. Cleanup actions typically not only involve moisture remediation but also involve surface cleaning from these types of stains as well as additional measures to alleviate odors. 
• Prompt Action. Prompt action in cleaning will be essential when it comes to fabric and textile items that have been affected to minimize permanent staining and damage.
• Prevention. Keep in mind that any intense heat will cause your sprinklers to discharge, and the sprinkler heads contain a temperature-sensitive mechanism that can only be activated when the temperature at the sprinkler head exceeds the allowable range, so make sure to be careful with heating. You will also want to make sure that your family or other occupants know never to hang items from the sprinkler heads, as this can damage them, as well as cause them to go off unexpectedly. 

If your home or business has been affected by water damage, whether from an overhead sprinkler system, flooding, or leaks both large and small, here at SERVPRO of South and Northwest Grand Rapids we are ready to help. We are also mold prevention and remediation specialists!