How Cold Temperatures Can Lead To Fire Sprinkler System Fails and Burst Pipes

4 min read

Fire sprinkler systems are your first line of defense in case a fire breaks out, helping you control flames before they spread and protect your home from devastating damage. However, when temperatures drop, these vital systems can be at risk of freezing, failing, and bursting.

On the bright side, it’s possible to keep your fire sprinkler pipe and system free from freezing issues this winter. This blog discusses how cold temperatures can lead to fire sprinkler system failures and burst pipes and some practical tips to prevent such a disaster.

How Freezing Temperatures Impact Your Fire Sprinkler Pipe

Fire sprinkler systems are typically designed with water-filled pipes to ensure immediate action in case of a fire. However, this feature also makes pipes susceptible to freezing when the temperature drops, especially if they’re located in unheated areas of a home or in attic spaces.

Water expands when it freezes, exerting pressure on the sprinkler pipes and causing them to crack or burst. This not only disables your sprinkler system but also potentially leads to water damage. When the ice melts during warmer temperatures, cracks can allow water to flood inside your home.

How Cold Weather Affects Sprinkler Heads

Extreme cold temperatures can also affect sprinkler heads, causing ice formation and obstruction of water flow. Regular inspection of each sprinkler head is necessary to ensure they are free of blockages and can function properly.

Other Issues: Corrosion Risks

Winter weather can speed up metal corrosion in fire sprinkler systems. This consequently weakens pipes and fittings, leading to leaks, blockages, and failures.

How To Tell If You Have a Fire Sprinkler Pipe Burst

Keeping an eye out for these indicators can help you take preventive measures promptly and ensure your fire sprinkler system remains operational and effective.

Look for Visible Frost or Ice

Any signs of frost or ice on the exterior of the fire sprinkler pipes can indicate that the water inside has frozen. Meanwhile, ice forming around the sprinkler heads may not necessarily mean the entire system is frozen, but it’s a warning sign of potential freezing.

Conduct a Flow Test

Testing the system’s water pressure is one of the most straightforward ways to check for a potential freeze. A significant drop in the number can indicate ice forming in the pipes.

Look for Signs of Water Damage

Unexpected wet spots and peeling paint or wallpaper are some telltale signs of a leak from a fire sprinkler pipe burst.

Tips To Prevent Sprinkler Systems From Freezing

Protect your home’s plumbing and fire sprinkler systems from freezing temperatures with these practical preemptive measures:

Recognize the Pipes at Most Risk

Pipes in external walls or those without adequate insulation are most at risk in cold weather. It’s crucial that you identify these at-risk pipes in your home and take preemptive actions, like applying additional insulation or heat tape, to protect them from freezing temperatures:

Conduct Regular System Checks

Regularly inspecting and maintaining your fire sprinkler systems and household plumbing is essential in preventing system failures. Before winter arrives, have a professional check your home to identify potential vulnerabilities and have them addressed promptly.

Regulate Your Home’s Temperature

Keep your thermostat set to a consistent temperature, ensuring it never dips below the point where pipes can begin to freeze. If necessary, use space heaters to keep vulnerable areas warm – but remember to follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines to prevent additional fire risks.

Prepare for Emergencies

Familiarize yourself with the layout of your fire sprinkler system and learn how to shut it off in case of an emergency. It also helps to develop a plan of action for what to do if your fire sprinklers freeze. This should include whom to call and how to minimize damage until help arrives.

Stay Safe and Dry This Winter With a Working Fire Sprinkler System

The winter season brings the risk of frozen pipes throughout your home. This includes your fire sprinkler system, which is essential for your safety in a fire. Taking proactive steps to prevent this system from freezing and bursting can save you the stress and high costs of dealing with issues caused by a faulty fire sprinkler system.

On that note, Restoration 1 of Cary is here to help you in case a disaster strikes. Whether your faulty sprinkler system allowed extensive fire damage or a burst line caused unexpected water damage, our team stands ready to return your property to normal.

Call us anytime for water, fire, and smoke damage restoration. Our local restoration experts will be with you shortly to kickstart the restoration process.