Steps to take if this happens
After a broken sprinkler line flooded a retirement home in Calgary, firefighters had to evacuate some 50 residents… When water freezes at a temperature of 0˚C (32˚F) or below, it expands up to 10 percent in volume…. a 0.32 centimeter (1/8th inch) crack in a pipe can send out more than 1.14 cubic meters (250 gallons) of water a day, causing flooding, severe structural damage and the potential for fungus and mould. Knowing where the water shut-off valves are… and how to quickly shut them off… can reduce damages significantly.
Losses resulting from water damage are a growing problem, especially in colder climates. Extreme and unpredictable weather fluctuations [cold > thaw > cold], older infrastructures, faulty fire sprinkler system installation, improper insulation around pipes and poor or irregular maintenance are all contributing factors.
Burst water pipes and broken fire sprinkler heads can very quickly cause a serious amount of damage and equally serious consequences. When it comes to retirement facilities…
