Emergency Fire Sprinkler Repair Services in VT, NH & NY
Once you’ve installed a commercial fire sprinkler system to protect your business, keeping it ready to perform is critical. When something goes wrong, you need a team that responds fast. That’s where Firetech Sprinkler Corp. comes in. We’ve been designing, installing, and maintaining customized commercial sprinkler systems across Vermont, Northern New Hampshire, and Northeast New York for over 30 years, and we’re here for you 24/7 when an emergency strikes.
Why businesses across the region call Firetech for emergency sprinkler repair:
- 24/7 emergency response for customers whose systems we’ve inspected
- Serving the region since 1992 from our headquarters in Colchester, VT
- AFSA, NICET, and NFPA affiliations and highly trained technicians
- Trusted by hospitals, schools, and businesses, with excellent reviews from customers like the University of Vermont Medical Center
Signs You May Need an Emergency Sprinkler Repair
We’ll review warning signs with you at every visit, but here’s what to watch for between inspections. We consider the following cause for immediate concern:
- Accidental activation: Whether it’s caused by damage or a genuine accident, any unplanned activation is an emergency. The faster we restore your system, the sooner you’re protected again.
- Leaks: Dripping fittings, wet ceiling tiles, or water pooling near pipes means your system needs attention before it causes major water damage.
- Frozen or burst pipes: Ice in sprinkler piping can split pipes and fittings, especially in unheated areas like attics, loading docks, and stairwells.
- Visible damage or corrosion: Bent, painted, or corroded sprinkler heads may not activate properly in a fire.
- Alarm or trouble signals: Water flow alarms, supervisory signals, or low pressure readings on your gauges can point to a problem in the system.
- Tripped dry pipe valve: If a dry pipe system trips unexpectedly, it needs to be reset and drained right away to prevent freezing.
What to Do During a Fire Sprinkler Emergency
If your sprinkler system activates or starts leaking and there is no fire, take these steps:
- Confirm there is no fire. If there is any sign of fire, evacuate and call 911 immediately.
- Call Firetech at 802-655-1800. Our team will guide you through the next steps and dispatch a technician.
- Shut off the water if it’s safe to do so. Close the control valve at the sprinkler riser and open the main drain to relieve pressure.
- Notify your alarm monitoring company and local fire department that your sprinkler system is out of service.
- Protect your property. Move equipment and inventory away from the water and begin cleanup.
- Keep a fire watch until your system is repaired and back in service.
Common Causes of Sprinkler Emergencies in Vermont, New Hampshire & New York
Harsh northern winters and aging buildings create unique risks for fire sprinkler systems throughout our service area:
- Freeze-ups: Long, subzero winters in Vermont, the North Country, and the Adirondacks make frozen pipes one of the most common causes of emergency calls. Winterizing your sprinkler system helps prevent them.
- Older buildings: Historic downtown buildings in towns like Burlington, Montpelier, and Rutland often have aging pipes that are prone to corrosion and leaks.
- Seasonal properties: Ski lodges, lakeside resorts, and Adirondack hotels in areas like Lake Placid and Saranac Lake can experience problems when heat or occupancy changes between seasons.
- Physical damage: Forklifts, ladders, and equipment can strike sprinkler heads in warehouses, schools, and manufacturing facilities.
Learn more about what causes fire sprinklers to activate and the most common sprinkler system failures.
Top Safety Tips for Your Commercial Sprinkler System
These tips will help keep your sprinkler system in top shape and reduce the chance you’ll need emergency service:
- Keep up with regularly scheduled inspection and testing and maintenance.
- Keep at least 18 inches of clearance below sprinkler heads, and never hang items from sprinkler pipes.
- Keep anything flammable or hot away from your sprinklers, and never paint sprinkler heads.
- Maintain heat of at least 40°F in areas with wet pipe sprinkler systems.
- Have a safety evacuation plan for your workers and clients, and make sure it’s properly posted.
Following these tips keeps you eligible for our 24/7 services and gives you peace of mind that your sprinkler system is always ready to work.
Am I Eligible for 24/7 Emergency Services?
We offer 24/7 emergency services to all clients who have had their sprinkler systems inspected at least once by our team.
Call 802-655-1800 for the most qualified team in Vermont, Northern New Hampshire & Northeast New York to schedule regular maintenance or inspection.
Why Trust Firetech With My Sprinkler System?
Founded in 1992, we’re not just a sprinkler system company; we’re in the business of protecting your business.
We’re a locally owned company that takes great pride in our work, whether you’re selecting a new system, scheduling an inspection, or dealing with an emergency. We work with businesses of all sizes, from health care facilities and schools to hotels and lodges, to keep their sprinkler systems working when it matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Services for Fire Sprinklers
Call us! Firetech offers 24/7 emergency services to existing customers who have had their sprinkler system inspected by us at least once before the emergency occurs. Regular maintenance and inspections are key to preventing emergency repairs. Have your system checked by a professional at least annually, keep heated areas above 40°F, and address minor issues before they become major problems. If you know where the sprinkler riser is located, shut off the control valve and open the main drain valve to relieve pressure on the system. If you don’t, call for immediate emergency service. Keep in mind that closing the control valve means the sprinkler system will not work in a fire. Repairs should be made immediately by a licensed fire protection contractor. Common causes include frozen pipes, physical damage to a sprinkler head, overheating from nearby equipment, corrosion, and manufacturing defects. Regular inspections help catch these risks early. Call a licensed fire protection contractor right away. Do not use an open flame to thaw the pipes. Frozen pipes can burst as they thaw, so keep the area monitored and be ready to shut off the water at the control valve. Yes. When a sprinkler system is out of service, you should notify your local fire department, your alarm monitoring company, and your insurance carrier. A fire watch may also be required until the system is restored. We are proud to serve a wide area of the region, including communities in Vermont, Northern New Hampshire, and Northeastern New York, such as:What should I do if I have a fire sprinkler emergency outside normal working hours?
How can I prevent the need for emergency fire sprinkler repairs?
One of my sprinkler heads is spewing water everywhere — how do I shut it off?
What causes a fire sprinkler to go off without a fire?
What should I do if my sprinkler pipes freeze?
Do I need to notify the fire department if my sprinkler system is shut off?
What are the areas you serve emergency fire sprinkler repair services in VT, NH & NY?