Water sprinkler systems are essential in commercial buildings. Offices, retail stores, schools, and other commercial structures rely on sprinklers to suppress fires, but leaking water sprinklers can quickly turn a sprinkler into a health and safety hazard. Untreated leaks can lead to structural damage, mold growth, business interruptions, and costly repairs.
Feasterville’s seasonal climate can wear down commercial fire protection systems. Humid summers, freezing winters, and frequent freeze-thaw cycles can all lead to severe water damage, but help is available. ServiceMaster TEAM provides proactive maintenance for business owners attempting to prevent major water damage. If you need help maintaining your sprinklers or restoring your business after a leak, call us today at 267-383-4399 to schedule an appointment.
Common Warning Signs of Leaking Water Sprinklers
Water sprinkler leaks may go unnoticed for long periods of time if individuals are unaware of the common warning signs. If you suspect your business may have a water leak, look out for the following signs:
- Unusual water stains on ceilings or walls
- Persistent dripping sounds or puddles under pipes
- A sudden drop in water pressure
- Rusty or discolored water from sprinkler heads
- Mildew or musty odors in commercial spaces
- Warped or peeling paint near sprinkler pipes
Causes of Sprinkler System Leaks in Commercial Properties
There are many reasons why a sprinkler system may begin to leak. Older sprinkler pipes may experience corrosion from hard water, and aging gaskets can wear out over time and lose their sealing capabilities. Faulty installations and improper pipe fittings are other common causes of leaks, as well as cracked pipes due to freezing temperatures.
Why Leaks Often Go Unnoticed in Feasterville Buildings
At times, leaks cause severe damage before they are treated. Because sprinkler pipes are hidden behind walls or above drop ceilings, leakage commonly goes undetected until it causes stains, visible mold, or mildew odors. In addition to this, if pooling water occurs in an area of your business that experiences low foot traffic, it may take a long time for you or one of your employees to notice the damage.
What to Check During Routine Inspections
During an inspection of your water sprinkler system, check for mold or musty smells near the piping. Listen for sounds of dripping or rushing water and inspect sprinkler heads for rust or corrosion. If you have recently experienced a winter freeze, ensure there is no visible damage. Cracked or burst sprinkler pipes must be replaced immediately to avoid rapid water intrusion.
Risks of Ignoring a Leaking Sprinkler System
Water leaks and sprinkler system malfunctions can have a devastating impact on commercial buildings, but delaying remediation can result in further damage. Ceilings, floors, and drywall may experience severe damage that leads to safety hazards for your customers and employees. Over time, these aspects of your building may deteriorate and eventually collapse.
Leaky sprinkler systems may be a violation of fire safety codes. Many commercial properties are required to have effective sprinkler systems that can reliably suppress fires. To avoid this, regularly inspect your sprinklers and replace them as they age. Failure to do this may void your insurance coverage, and the system may be at risk of failure in the event of an actual fire.
Sprinkler systems can result in long-term disruptions to daily business operations. If an untreated water leak leads to a mold infestation, you may be forced to close your business for an extended period while you fix the issue. Mold remediation and structural repairs can be expensive, but business closures can lead to revenue loss that puts the future of your company in peril.
Prevention Tips for Commercial Property Owners in Feasterville
At times, water damage is inevitable, but there are many steps property owners can take to prevent water intrusion and subsequent damage. Install monitoring systems for early leak detection. Moisture detection technology can provide commercial property owners with an easy way to pinpoint. Over time, be sure to replace aging components to prevent plumbing malfunctions that lead to severe water damage. Winterize systems before the first hard freeze, and add insulation to your plumbing system to prevent pipe freezes and bursts.
Business owners may be able to prevent water damage by educating building maintenance staff on red flags. Teach employees the importance of noticing the early signs of a water leak. Mildewy odors, water stains on ceilings or walls, and visible mold are signs that serious issues have occurred. Early detection can make it much easier for you and your team to respond to sudden leaks and plumbing malfunctions.
Don’t Let a Small Leak Become a Big Problem
Remediating water damage can be intimidating at times, but acting immediately can save your business thousands down the road. If you suspect your sprinkler system might be leaking, investing in a professional inspection is the best way to get answers. For local businesses in Feasterville, ServiceMaster TEAM is here to help.
Our water leak repair and water damage restoration services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to respond to emergency water leak damage. If you own a commercial property and you need timely assistance, our technicians are only a phone call away. To begin the road to restoration, call us today at 267-383-4399 to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment.
