While you might expect cracks to the foundation of your building during an earthquake, there is another threat from these events.

Earthquakes can shake a building enough to activate or damage indoor sprinklers, which in turn spray water, wreaking havoc on office fixtures, machinery and inventory. This water sprinkler damage can often far exceed the damage to the structure itself.

Napa quake case study

A number of buildings suffered water damage from broken sprinklers in the Napa earthquake in 2014, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The systems that were damaged resulted in significant water damage because the quake happened early in the morning in a business district, meaning no employees were on site to shut off water valves.

When an earthquake occurs, the majority of sprinkler system damage is from the building shaking and swaying. This movement can cause a sprinkler system that has not been properly braced to come into contact with other building systems or structural members, damaging the sprinklers and fittings.

This damage can lead to leaking throughout the piping network.

If you have sprinklers, they should comply with the National Fire Protection Association Standard, Section 9.3 of which is designed to limit the impact of this differential movement so that the sprinkler system can function as intended after, and during, the seismic event.

To help maintain alignment of system components and prevent damage, the standard requires sway bracing and restraints for system piping. It is critical to have fire protection systems in place before an earthquake, because:

• Gas pipes can rupture.

• Wires and cables can become exposed, creating an electrical hazard.

• Fuel may spill from ruptured tanks or broken pipes.

Have the right insurance?

If your building is equipped with sprinklers for fire suppression, you may not have coverage if there is damage to your building, fixtures and inventory from water damage caused by earthquake damage to sprinkler pipes.

A commercial property policy will not cover this type of damage.

Earthquake sprinkler leakage (EQSL) or sprinkler leakage coverage can be added to your existing policy by endorsement, usually for an additional premium, depending on the insurance company.

An EQSL or sprinkler leakage endorsement would provide coverage for the building and/or contents inside the building should the sprinkler system leak due to an earthquake or accident. It would also provide coverage should the sprinklers become damaged.

CONTACT US TODAY and find out about your coverage.