Can a Failure of Your Fire Suppression System Cause Water Damage in Phoenix?

2/25/2019 (Permalink)

Inspect your sprinkler systems regularly to make sure they are in top working order.

Water Cleanup After Malfunctioning Fire Sprinklers in Your Phoenix Hotel

If you believe that water damage from your sprinkler system in your Phoenix hotel only happens if a fire starts, it is time for you to take another look at your overhead pipes. Although the system helps keep a blaze from spreading and save lives, it can ruin interiors and equipment as well during a usual workday. You need to be ready for a failure of your fire sprinkler system at your property.

Commercial fire sprinkler systems fail every day. Older system heads and pipes rust and cored, and floor plan changes or remodeling can leave sprinklers too near to heat sources. When a fire sprinkler in your Phoenix business accidentally discharges and causes water damage, it soaks floors, walls, furniture, and anyone unlucky enough to be nearby, and you need water removal services right away from a professional remediation company like SERVPRO.

The best thing you can do to protect your building is to prepare. Ask the installer of your sprinkler system to help you become familiar with it and designate employees on different shifts to respond to any malfunctions. Find the shut-off valves for different areas of the building, as well as the main shut-off valve and know how to operate all of them and turn off the electricity. Keep emergency numbers posted for the sprinkler system company and your insurance agent.

Do not try to do the water cleanup yourself. When a sprinkler head discharges accidentally, they release a spray of dirty water, possibly contaminated with oil, rust, and sediment. The mixture spreads strong, unpleasant odors and stains surfaces. SERVPRO technicians can clean up and restore your building with the right equipment.

Infrared cameras and moisture sensors help us zero in on areas of hidden moisture behind walls, in ceilings and under flooring. Since it is essential to mitigate any standing water as fast as possible, we rely on high-performance extractors to efficiently remove the water on hard surfaces and carpeting. Air movers and special dehumidifiers can help speed up the structural drying after this, producing high-volume airflow in larger areas and drawing moisture from water-damaged environments.

You can also make the claims process easier by documenting the water damage as soon as you can. By doing so, you can demonstrate the extent of your loss to the insurance company, which can help get you’re a fair claims settlement. Detailed videos and pictures of all the affected areas, including the broken sprinklers, soaked floors, and wet walls are essential. Larger items such as furnishings should be left in place so the adjuster can inspect them. Make a file that contains damage documentation, contractor’s estimates, and receipts for any damage-related expenses. We can also help you navigate your specific insurance claims process.

At SERVPRO of Central Phoenix, we want to help you clean up your hotel in Encanto, Camelback East, or Phoenix after a water damage emergency as quickly as possible. When you give us a call at (602) 386-4268, we make sure to get to you quickly so we can restore your building and get your business looking "Like it never even happened."

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