A broken sprinkler pipe is one of the most destructive accidents for any building. And it rarely happens without any signs. It’s from the sort of problems that pile up gradually. First, the pressure inside the pipes increases. If you don’t measure it, you may not even know about it. Secondly, temperature drops. Then, as a result, the whole system fails.
Nevertheless, proper prevention helps to avoid stress and waste of money. How? This guide will give you all the necessary answers.
Early Warning Signs of a Broken Sprinkler Pipe Most Owners Ignore
Actually, any broken sprinkler pipe almost always gives early warning signs. These signs are so minor that they cause owners almost no concern. But they should! Pay attention to the following:
- unstable water pressure;
- small leaks at the heads;
- wet spots on the ceilings;
- signs of corrosion;
You can find out more about the causes of such problems in the article Top Causes of Fire Sprinkler Leaks. Because a small leak today often turns into a sprinkler pipe burst tomorrow.
The Risks of Fire Sprinkler System Pipe Bursts
A burst sprinkler pipe is dangerous not only because of the water. It can easily lead to mold and cause malfunctions in the fire sprinkler system. But that’s the least of the evils. Sometimes such a malfunction can disable the whole electrical system and even damage the building structure.Fire Sprinkler System pipe burst outside are also dangerous. They wash away the soil around the foundation. So, prevention is way cheaper than fixing it later.
Broken Fire Sprinkler Pipe and Climate Conditions
It is no secret to every owner of a fire sprinkler system that they require regular monitoring and preparation, especially before the hot weather sets in.
FirePro Tech pros don’t recommend skimping on the best services focused on seasonal adaptation of pipes to high temperatures. Here’s a checklist of what a good professional contractor performs:
- wet system checks;
- low point drains;
- insulation of areas near exterior walls;
- valve testing.
The frequency of such checks is described in detail in the article How Often Should a Fire Sprinkler System Be Inspected? This helps reduce the risk of sprinkler pipe burst and maintain compliance with regulations.
How Extreme Heat and High Pressure Stress Fire Sprinkler Pipes
Yes, many experts say that cold is the main enemy of pipes. But don’t forget that extreme heat is no less dangerous. Metal and plastic expand at high temperatures. That’s how internal pressure in the system occurs. Add to this a constant load, and rapid wear is guaranteed.
Microcracks that go unnoticed for a long time lead to accidents. This has a particularly bad effect on pipes in poorly ventilated rooms.
How To Protect Sprinkler Pipes From Extreme Heat
Proactive maintenance is your first step toward effective protection. Thermal insulation on pipes and monitoring pressure are your best helpers during hot periods. Also, try to keep an eye from time to time on the condition of materials. Don’t forget to replace worn-out parts right away. That’s how you can be not afraid of situations like irrigation pipe burst plus help your system stay up and running.
Understanding the True Cost of a Fire Sprinkler Pipe Burst
Sprinkler pipe burst repair cost is rarely limited to a single pipe. In fact, for any contractor, it is a whole range of work, including restoration of finishes and removal of moisture and mold. Sometimes, in more serious cases of sprinkler burst pipe, it also involves electrical repairs.
But did you know that it is water control that reduces the extent of damage? You can read more about shut-off valves and system protection in the Guide to OS&Y Valves for Fire Protection Systems.
Primary Causes of a Broken Sprinkler Pipe
The main causes of burst sprinkler pipe remain unchanged:
- frost (sometimes simply cold weather in CA is enough);
- corrosion;
- installation errors;
- excessive pressure;
However, a combination of cold weather and pressure most often causes sprinkler burst pipe in commercial facilities.
How Monitoring and Early Diagnostics Reduce the Risk of a Sprinkler Pipe Burst
Modern monitoring systems work proactively. This is a real lifesaver for anyone who has a sprinkler system installed in their building and knows the true sprinkler pipe burst repair cost . What makes them so good? First, they easily detect leaks and monitor pressure. Second, they accurately track temperature and send notifications if any parameters exceed acceptable limits. This is especially important for large facilities and networks.
Manual Valve Control and Pressure Monitoring to Limit Water Damage
The simplest thing you can do to keep things under control? The right answer is to use manual control. If something goes wrong, you can use valves to stop the water in a blink of an eye. So, forget about major floods if you regularly check the pressure.