What to Do if Your Fire Sprinkler System Freezes?

If a sudden drop in temperature has caught you off-guard, you may end up needing fire sprinkler repair if your pipes freeze.  Frozen sprinkler pipes can cause a leak at a junction, split pipe, or damage to your sprinkler heads. Not only does this leave you needing a repair, but it also leaves your property unprotected! Regular visual inspection and quick action can catch warning signs so you can stay on top of your fire protection system and protect your investment. 

In this post, we will cover:

• Point-by-point guide to fixing damage from a frozen sprinkler system
• How to know when it’s time to call in a professional
• How to prevent it from happening again
• Does insurance cover your sprinkler system

Signs Your Fire Sprinkler System Is Frozen

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Frozen Sprinkler System

If you experience a frozen sprinkler head or pipes are preventing water flow, follow these steps to reduce further damage:

1. Turn off the water supply – This will keep additional pressure from the building and cause a pipe to burst.
2. Locate the frozen section – Check for visible frost, condensation, or bulging pipes. 
3. Gently thaw the pipes – Use warm towels, a hair dryer, or a space heater. Do not use open flame, torches etc. Not only can this cause further damage to your fire sprinkler system, but because your system is frozen, you don’t want to operate with open flame.
4. Inspect for cracks or leaks – While thawing, look for damage by tracking leaks, visually inspecting pipes etc.
5. Test the system – Restore water flow and confirm that the frozen sprinkler pipes are working correctly.

If you detect any cracks, leaks, or persistent freezing issues, it’s time to call in a professional.

When to Call a Professional Fire Sprinkler Repair Service

In many cases, a mild freeze situation can be resolved by following the steps above; your frozen sprinkler pipes may have more significant damage, requiring the assistance of a fire sprinkler professional. 

Signs it’s time to call a professional in fire sprinkler repair:

• Your pipes have cracked or burst due to freezing.
• The frozen section is inaccessible or behind walls.
• You experience recurring freezing issues despite previous maintenance.
• Your fire sprinkler system needs to comply with local safety codes.

How to Prevent Your Sprinkler System From Freezing Again

If you’ve ever experienced a frozen sprinkler, you know it’s something you don’t want to experience again! Here are some preventative steps to protect your system in the future. 

• Insulate pipes and sprinkler heads in cold-prone areas.
• Keep indoor temperatures above freezing, especially in unheated spaces.
• Drain excess water from pipes before winter to reduce freezing risks.
• Schedule annual inspections and winterization with a professional.

Does Insurance Cover a Frozen Sprinkler System?

Coverage for frozen sprinkler systems varies depending on your insurance policy. Commercial and residential policies may often cover damage caused by a fire suppression system provided proper maintenance is followed. Consult with your insurance provider regarding exclusions. While most policies will cover water damage caused by a frozen sprinkler system, they don’t always cover the cost to repair a frozen fire sprinkler system.

Protect Your System From Freezing

The Midwest is notorious for sudden weather changes, so it’s best to be proactive to protect your property, your people, and your investment. You can help prevent damage caused by frozen sprinkler pipes by taking steps ahead of time to ensure your fire protection system is protecting your property year-round. Take proactive steps such as winterizing pipes with heat tape or insulated wraps and keeping temperatures in unheated buildings above freezing. If your sprinkler system is visible during deep or hard freezes, regularly do a visual check of the lines to check for ice buildup or leaks. 

It’s also important to partner with a trusted fire sprinkler system professional such as Gen-X Fire Sprinklers Service, serving Jackson County, including the Blue Springs area, who can perform annual inspections and tests of your system to identify any weak spots that could cause catastrophic failure in the event of frozen sprinkler pipes.