Frozen Pipes Burst!

Local News by last edited on Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Cold temperatures continue to make their way in to Rapid City this winter, the Rapid City Fire Department wanted to remind you of the importance of protecting and maintaining your automatic fire sprinkler system. These systems are like all other wet pipe plumbing if exposed to extreme cold they can freeze. Since December 1st the RC Fire Dept. has responded to numerous frozen pipe incidents, seven of which were sprinkler system pipes that froze due to cold weather exposure.

During periods of extreme cold regularly inspect your home or business automatic fire sprinkler system, ensuring designed features such as heat and insulation are maintained.

Ensure that insulation is in place to protect piping next to exterior walls, in attics, or any areas not directly heated by the main heating system.

Keep the building temperature a minimum of 45 degrees to prevent pipes from freezing.

-Check heaters in foyers and entry vestibules to ensure they are set correctly and are operable. Use of these heaters is often part of the sprinkler system.

There may also be heaters in fire pump and dry pipe rooms (not all systems use pumps or dry pipes).

Ensure heat is reaching the entire building. Open doors to closets, storerooms, and hallways where sprinklers and sprinkler pipes are present.

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Frozen Pipes Burst!