If you have a fire sprinkler system installed in your residential or commercial property, you and anyone in your building have a much more likely chance of escaping a fire unharmed. Unfortunately, to get the most out of your sprinkler system, some regular maintenance is required. This is never truer than throughout the winter. Like anything else involving water, sprinkler systems can freeze-up if the temperature drops below a certain point.
You should be aware that a freeze failure may occur any time the temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the freezing point for water, and depending on where you live, it is likely to have several times throughout the winter. Of course, your sprinkler system won’t freeze any time the temperature drops below 31. Because the water in your system is insulated, the temperature typically must be much colder for freezing to take place.
When a sprinkler system freezes, it is not always immediately apparent. Although a pipe may rupture, the water inside is frozen, so you won’t notice it leaking right away. Once the temperature rises, you will have a leak on your hands. Most often a rupture will result in a broken tee fitting or even a cracked elbow fitting.
If you notice any problems with your sprinkler system, including water leaking, it may be because of freezing temperatures. Keeping an eye on your system throughout the winter is important, because the last thing you want is to be without it when you need it most. If you need help with a frozen sprinkler system, contact us today and schedule a service visit with W&M Fire Protection to help prevent sprinkler freeze-ups.
