The Aftermath of Sprinklers

Sprinkler systems can be extremely beneficial to Colorado homeowners. Outside sprinklers help to keep lawns grassy and green throughout the warmer months of the year.  Fire sprinkler systems are present in many Colorado apartment buildings, condos, and commercial buildings. Some people even choose to have their homes fitted with residential fire sprinkler systems to increase life safety. When something goes wrong with a sprinkler system, though, it can wreak havoc on the home. So what should you do in the event that your sprinkler system “goes wild” and floods your house? Here are a few fast tips for dealing with the aftermath of rogue sprinklers.

If your home is still being inundated with water as a result of your wild and crazy sprinklers, stop reading for a moment and go shut off your home’s water supply. In the majority of cases, a broken sprinkler will not stop deluging your house and/or your yard until the water is completely cut off. Home shutoff valves are usually located close to the home’s perimeter and at grade-level. If you’re not sure where yours is located, you can check your home inspection report for details.

Before you walk into a flooded area, be sure to carefully assess the space for any potential safety issues. If there are any loose wires or electrical cords exposed to the water, or if water has reached the height of your electrical outlets, you could be in danger. When in doubt, shut off your home’s electricity before moving forward.

Once you have determined that it is safe to enter the flooded space, it’s time to start pulling out any furnishings, rugs, or curtains that may have become saturated with waters. If recovered from the space quickly, there is a chance that these items may be able to be cleaned, dried, and restored.

For minor floods, you may be able to remove excess standing water from your home with a mop and bucket. In many cases, however, water pumps and wet-vacs will need to be employed.

Mold can start to develop very rapidly in damp,  humid spaces with low airflow. In order to promote drying and to minimize the impact of mold, it’s smart to open up windows and doors, to run fans or air conditioners, and to make use of dehumidifiers.

No matter how large or small the damage, a professional flood restoration company should be consulted. These contractors know how to handle important safety issues and will be able to deal with any extra messes left behind by glycerin (a type of antifreeze) within the sprinkler system. While your insurance company will probably try to get you to use their preferred flood restoration service, you should be aware that you are not obligated to go this route. In fact, it’s nearly always in your best interest to look for your own contractor. Be sure to get a quote for the work to be done on your home right away and to start the restoration process as quickly as possible. The sooner you’re able to start dealing with the aftermath of a sprinkler flood, the more likely it is that you will be able to save items like carpeting, flooring, and furniture.

Always make sure to inform your insurance company of a flood as soon as possible. Your adjuster will be able to tell you what your policy does and does not cover, and can help you to determine how much you can afford in terms of repairs and restoration.

 

If your home’s sprinkler system went wild and got the better of your house, you don’t have a moment to lose. The team at Abbotts Fire & Flood are experienced in dealing with sprinkler flooding and can quickly provide you with an accurate estimate of the work to be done. Give us a call to get your free quote and to start returning your home to its former glory today.