How Does Water Lead to Damages After a Fire?

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

As the firefighters work to put out flames, they may spray a lot of water.

Water Damage and Fire Damage

Fire damage may seem like one of your top concerns after the flames have been put out, but you'll also need to address a fair amount of water damage. When a fire first strikes, most business owners are primarily concerned about the well-being of their staff, customers, and property. Once the smoke clears, however, a period of uncertainty and panic may settle in. Fortunately, fire remediation experts can help you navigate the cleanup and restoration process. There are several sources of water that may affect your property.

1. Sprinkler systems
   
2. Fire hoses
   
3. Burst pipes
   
4. Sewer backups
   
   

Sprinkler Systems

If you have a sprinkler system installed in your building, the heat, flames, or smoke may trigger the emergency system and send 15 to 25 gallons of water per minute into your business. That water can cause a lot of damage.

Fire Hoses

As the firefighters work to put out flames, they may spray a lot of water at high levels of pressure through a fire hose. That water often floods the building, running down stairways, flooding rooms, and affecting walls and ceilings. Equipment and furnishings are often harmed more by the water than by fire damage.

Burst Pipes

Another common culprit of water damage after a fire is the burst pipe. As temperature levels rise as a result of the fire, the building's piping system experiences a lot of pressure. The heated pipes may warp, break, and burst. Sometimes pipes are damaged by falling debris. These bursting pipes force a lot of water into the building, causing flood damages.

Sewer Backups

If the sewer system line is damaged by the fire or falling debris, you could have an even messier problem on your hands. Sewer backflows often happen for other reasons, but these disasters are an increased risk during fires.

Fire damage isn't your only concern after a fire. You may also face a lot of water damage. Work closely with Acton, MT, fire remediation professionals to get trouble under control and your business back to normal after a fire.