Bend FD offers cold-snap sprinkler system warning

Building owners, occupants, facility managers and building maintenance personnel: If you have not already done so, NOW is the time to take the preventive measures to prevent fire sprinkler systems from freezing, Bend fire officials said Monday.

Here’s a news release from Deputy Fire Marshal Jeff Bond:

Weather forecasts anticipate temperatures to stay below freezing for a prolonged period of time. Bend Fire & Rescue responds to several fire sprinkler activations due to pipes breaking from freezing every year. We want to remind you to take action now to prevent costly damage.

Most fire sprinkler systems that do freeze are the result of lack of maintenance. Ensure that all periodic maintenance has been completed. Contact your fire sprinkler service company to schedule service if it is overdue. Frequencies for maintenance vary depending on the type of system that is installed. Contact your local fire department for information related to maintenance.

Often times the cause of a sprinkler system freeze is inadequate heating. While there are a few sprinkler types designed to operate in cold temperatures, the majority of fire sprinkler pipe must be installed in areas that can maintain a minimum temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Make sure your heating and ventilation systems are in good working order. Ensure that thermostats are not set below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. When using supplemental heating equipment utilize only equipment that is listed and approved for its intended use.

Always provide at least 3 feet of clearance when using portable space heaters. Low temperature alarms may be used to alert responsible parties, particularly in normally unoccupied areas. That way, if heating equipment fails or the area otherwise drops below 40 degrees, the cause of the failure can be corrected before pipes freeze.

If you have had any recent maintenance repairs or remodeling that may have compromised the insulation above ceilings, check those areas to ensure that the insulation has been reinstalled correctly. Frequently insulation may be removed to accommodate a repair and restoring it to the original condition is often overlooked. Properly insulated and heated areas will prevent your sprinkler system from freezing.

These simple steps can prevent the costly damage from fire sprinkler pipe breaks, not to mention time lost to restore your building back to full operation. Check your fire sprinkler system today. Call your service company to schedule maintenance. Check your heating and ventilation system. Use safe heating practices. Call your local fire department for any questions related to fire sprinkler systems and how to prevent a freeze.

If your fire sprinkler system does freeze or is inoperable for any reason, contact your local fire department immediately.