Can this be fixed?
October 26, 2022 2:36 PM Subscribe
Something fell out of my ceiling. Help me fix it.
One of the escutcheons that surrounds a fire system sprinkler head in our condo's bedroom ceiling fell out the other day. I'm not sure the best way to fix it.
The sprinkler and its resulting hole/gap now look like this. The escutcheon doesn't have any threads or attachment points or anything, and I'm not sure how it was secured up there in the first place, but I know I need to put it back for the fire suppression system to work as efficiently as it was designed to as well as for aesthetics. I also know it's not flat, so "glue it to the ceiling" isn't really an option because the edges aren't flush to the ceiling. This isn't mine, but it is the same style as the one that fell out.
Problem is, I have no idea how to do that. Do you? If so, can you help me figure it out? I'm not opposed to buying a new escutcheon or whatever piece will help if needed, but I honestly don't know how to re-attach this thing.
One of the escutcheons that surrounds a fire system sprinkler head in our condo's bedroom ceiling fell out the other day. I'm not sure the best way to fix it.
The sprinkler and its resulting hole/gap now look like this. The escutcheon doesn't have any threads or attachment points or anything, and I'm not sure how it was secured up there in the first place, but I know I need to put it back for the fire suppression system to work as efficiently as it was designed to as well as for aesthetics. I also know it's not flat, so "glue it to the ceiling" isn't really an option because the edges aren't flush to the ceiling. This isn't mine, but it is the same style as the one that fell out.
Problem is, I have no idea how to do that. Do you? If so, can you help me figure it out? I'm not opposed to buying a new escutcheon or whatever piece will help if needed, but I honestly don't know how to re-attach this thing.
Here is a link with a better explanation.
Here is a relevant quote from that page:
Escutcheons need to be replaced if they become damaged (bent or separated), rusted, discolored, or painted. That’s right, just like sprinkler heads, escutcheons may not be painted. Although, they are available in multiple factory finishes.
In order to replace the same model escutcheon, since the escutcheon opening is smaller than the sprinkler head itself, the system needs to be called out of service, drained, and the head removed resulting in increased labor costs.
One way to solve this problem economically is to use retro-fit escutcheons. These escutcheons are “split”, having two detachable halves that allow for separation to install around the sprinkler head and fasten in place. The original escutcheon can be removed by carefully cutting one side with metal shears and separating it. Retro-fit escutcheons are available in all three common types of escutcheons; recessed, flat and adjustable.
In all cases in which your fire sprinkler system needs work, a licensed professional service provider is required to prevent accidental activation, false alarm and to ensure the system is functional and in service when the work is complete.
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Particularly since it is a condo, I would recommend that a professional install a replacement. It would not be worth it to DIY a liability situation! It is also in need of cleaning from dust/debris. Trying to DIY that could set off the sprinkler...
posted by tronec at 4:48 PM on October 26, 2022 [4 favorites]
Here is a relevant quote from that page:
Escutcheons need to be replaced if they become damaged (bent or separated), rusted, discolored, or painted. That’s right, just like sprinkler heads, escutcheons may not be painted. Although, they are available in multiple factory finishes.
In order to replace the same model escutcheon, since the escutcheon opening is smaller than the sprinkler head itself, the system needs to be called out of service, drained, and the head removed resulting in increased labor costs.
One way to solve this problem economically is to use retro-fit escutcheons. These escutcheons are “split”, having two detachable halves that allow for separation to install around the sprinkler head and fasten in place. The original escutcheon can be removed by carefully cutting one side with metal shears and separating it. Retro-fit escutcheons are available in all three common types of escutcheons; recessed, flat and adjustable.
In all cases in which your fire sprinkler system needs work, a licensed professional service provider is required to prevent accidental activation, false alarm and to ensure the system is functional and in service when the work is complete.
_______________
Particularly since it is a condo, I would recommend that a professional install a replacement. It would not be worth it to DIY a liability situation! It is also in need of cleaning from dust/debris. Trying to DIY that could set off the sprinkler...
posted by tronec at 4:48 PM on October 26, 2022 [4 favorites]
From your first picture i would say the escutcheon was initially flush with the ceiling.
Which probably means that the sprinkler head has sagged down for some reason and gradually pushed the escutcheon out, finally to a point where there was almost nothing holding onto it and it fell.
But a sagging sprinkler head means something is going wrong with the support structure of the sprinkler system behind the ceiling.
Which very likely is putting bending stress on the pipes somewhere that could cause them to spring a leak or rupture basically at any moment.
Which would be a disaster.
So I think maintenance should be summoned immediately with a view to finding out what has gone wrong with the sprinkler supports and fixing it.
And don’t let them shrug it off. The stakes are too high.
posted by jamjam at 5:15 PM on October 26, 2022 [4 favorites]
Which probably means that the sprinkler head has sagged down for some reason and gradually pushed the escutcheon out, finally to a point where there was almost nothing holding onto it and it fell.
But a sagging sprinkler head means something is going wrong with the support structure of the sprinkler system behind the ceiling.
Which very likely is putting bending stress on the pipes somewhere that could cause them to spring a leak or rupture basically at any moment.
Which would be a disaster.
So I think maintenance should be summoned immediately with a view to finding out what has gone wrong with the sprinkler supports and fixing it.
And don’t let them shrug it off. The stakes are too high.
posted by jamjam at 5:15 PM on October 26, 2022 [4 favorites]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by mezzanayne at 4:44 PM on October 26, 2022