To prevent freezing damage when a stall door cannot be fixed until the next day, what action should you take?

• A. Drain the piping, pump, and booster lines to prevent damage
• B. Leave system pressurized
• C. Turn on heaters only
• D. Apply antifreeze to all valves

Answer: (A)

The important idea is preventing freeze damage by removing water from the system when repairs will be delayed. Water in pipes expands as it freezes, so keeping lines filled and pressurized risks cracks, ruptured pumps, and other damage. Draining the piping, pump, and booster lines eliminates the water that could freeze, protecting the equipment until the stall door can be fixed. Simply leaving the system pressurized can trap water in sections that will freeze, and turning on heaters alone may not reach every part of the system, especially longer or hidden runs. Applying antifreeze to valves isn’t appropriate here because it can contaminate potable water and isn’t the approved method for this fire-supply system.