Yes! You Can Turn Commercial Fire Sprinklers Off On Your Own.

Commercial fire sprinklers are important because they can minimize the amount of damage your commercial property in Bakersfield might suffer due to a fire. However, an accidental discharge from a single spray head can release as much as 13 gallons of water a minute. 

There are many factors that can accidentally set off a commercial fire sprinkler spray head including:

• Accidental overheating: This applies to sprinklers located near heaters, skylights, and other areas of high heat.  
• Freezing: When the system thaws after freezing, water may discharge from the sprinkler. 
• Mechanical damage: Poor installation can damage the operating system of sprinklers and cause parts to come loose later down the road. 
• Corrosion: Old sprinklers installed in harsh environments are at risk of corroding, which weakens the system.  
• Deliberate sabotage: Vandalism and pranks are also major causes of sprinkler discharge. This can be avoided by placing fire sprinklers in hard to reach places and using institutional sprinkler heads.

Commercial Fire Damage In Bakersfield

Commercial fire damage restoration includes cleaning up and repairing any water damage caused by fire sprinklers if a fire does break out. If commercial fire sprinklers go off and major fire damage is not a concern, fire damage restoration companies like Alert Disaster in Bakersfield can help! But in those instances, it’s best for any commercial property owner to  know how to turn off the sprinklers and prevent further damage.

Locate The Main Shut-Off Valve

Locating the main shut-off valve for a fire sprinkler system can be tricky. That’s why it’s important to remain calm and work effectively. Make sure to review site plans and familiarize yourself with valve sites beforehand. It’s also a good idea to educate other workers in the building so they can jump in and handle the situation if you?re not on-site. 

If you have trouble locating the shut-off valve, call the company that installed the system and they should be able to direct you to it. 

Use A Fire Sprinkler Shut-Off Device

Contrary to popular Hollywood portrayals, a single spray head discharge won’t cause an entire system to go off. When you?re dealing with one (or a few) spray heads, we recommend using a fire sprinkler shut-off device. These handy devices are easy to use and can stop the flow immediately without having to get to the main shut off valve. The sooner the flow of the water can be stopped, the more money you?ll be saving in restoration costs. 

Schedule Regular Fire Sprinkler Inspections

Preventing your commercial fire sprinklers from malfunctioning and going off when a fire isn’t a threat is better for your business. You can reduce the chances of this happening by scheduling routine inspections of the fire sprinkler system. A reliable fire sprinkler system in your property will optimize the safety of your building and reduce the risk of extra restoration costs. It’s generally recommended to have a qualified contractor perform an annual inspection; however, some guidelines may require weekly or monthly checks. A professional will have the right tools and expertise to ensure the system is operating properly. 

In the case that your building sustains commercial fire or water damage, be sure to contact the restoration specialists at Alert Disaster in Bakersfield. We respond 24 hours a day to water and fire disasters and can help any commercial property owner get back to business after a fire.