Frozen Pipes a Problem at One Business

The frigid weather is to blame for a mess at Stop & Shop on Bull Hill Lane after non-insulated water pipes for the sprinklers froze up and sprung a leak in the exit vestibule today around noon. 

Fire Marshal Tim Smith said sprinklers are required in the exit areas of the commercial building but the pipes froze because there wasn't heat near the ceiling where the pipes run.

He said there was some water damage to the floor and ceiling from the running water.

“Unfortunately, this sort of thing will be more common this week as the temperatures dip below freezing and effect these vulnerable pipes,” he said. “This is why we stress the importance of annual and quarterly sprinkler inspections. An inspector will be able to indicate the zones that don’t have adequate insulation.”

A firefighter was on fire watch until the repairs were completed at 4:26 p.m. A fire watch is when a firefighter continuously walks the entire building looking for fires or fire dangers when the sprinklers are “down.”