4 Steps To Take When Your Fire Sprinkler Malfunctions And Leaks Water Into Your House
Fire sprinkler systems are ingenious marvels that can prevent fire damage, minimize liabilities, and save lives. Unfortunately, the system might malfunction due to poor maintenance or human errors. Your sprinkler system can go off without a fire, causing severe water damage. So what should you do after your sprinkler system fails and causes water damage in your building? The following are key water damage restoration steps to take.
1. Shut Off the Valves
Malfunctioning fire sprinkler systems could start pouring water due to faulty sensors. This could easily worsen the situation and turn your business premises into a pool. Therefore, locate the valves ASAP and shut them off. If you can't locate the system, contact your water service provider or the sprinkler installer for help. You might also want to turn off the lights and shut down the main electrical system to mitigate potential electrical hazards. It is also advisable to call your insurer to report the situation as you wait for the restoration specialists.
2. Water Retrieval
A malfunctioning sprinkler could produce a lot of water within a short time. This is why it's important to contact water damage clean-up professionals immediately. They have access to portable water extraction units such as submersible water pumps that will retrieve the water in a fraction of the time you would otherwise need. They also have protective tools and equipment to ensure safety during the restoration project.
3. Drying the Surfaces
Once the water has been extracted from the house successfully, the clean-up experts will need to dry the surfaces. Skipping this step creates the perfect conditions for mold to start growing. Professionals often come with heavy-duty drying equipment, such as air movers, to speed up the drying process. They may also open the windows, doors, and ventilation to improve the drying process and protect your house.
4. Restore Salvageable Items
If the water damage is not severe, you will likely repair and restore a few items. The restoration professionals will help you determine what to save or discard. They may wipe down, wash, and dry fabrics. However, you might have to part ways with soaked documents, rags, and books. Remember to call the sprinkler installers to determine the cause of the problem, so you don't have to encounter the same problem.
The extent of water damage depends on how fast you respond to the problem. Therefore, follow these simple steps to save your house and avoid making mistakes. Remember to work with professional water damage restoration contractors.
