Plumbing
The shut-off valves for the plumbing system in Ramsey Library are
located in the Air Handler Room on the north side of the building (see
map). This room is accessed from outside the building and requires a
key. Upon entering the room, five shut off valves are located
immediately to the left. There are several ways to shut off the water
system.
(1) It is preferable to completely close the two primary valves, one
upper and one lower located farthest to the left. These two valves will
shut off the entire system. These two valves are under approximately 85
pounds of pressure each, and are located in-line after the pressure
relief valve. Although not necessary, the two secondary valves and the
main valve may then be closed.
(2) Close the main water valve, located farthest to the right. This
valve shuts off the entire plumbing system, and is under approximately
180 pounds of pressure. Closing the main water valve will not damage the
system, but it may make reinitializing the system more difficult.
*Opening sink faucets on the lower level will help drain any
remaining water from the pipes.
Sprinklers
If a sprinkler head is accidentally activated and there is no threat
of fire, the sprinkler system can be manually shut off in order to
minimize damage.
The main shut off valve for the sprinkler system is located outside,
on the North side of the building, adjacent to the rear parking lot. It
is a large red wheel attached to the side of the building between the
Air Handler Room and the Chiller Room. Closing this valve will turn the
sprinkler system off on all three floors. When this valve is closed, an
alarm is activated at the Asheville Fire Department, and firefighters
are immediately dispatched.
Each floor’s sprinkler system can also be shut off independently.
These shut off valves are on each level of the emergency stairwell,
located directly behind the microfilm room (see map). Access to these
shut off valves requires a step ladder. Located beside each shut off
valve is a pipe drain valve which should be opened to drain any
remaining water from the pipes. Again, when any of these valves are
adjusted, an alarm is activated at the Asheville Fire Department.
Items needed for water shut off:
Keys - Located at Circulation
Location of rooms and valves - using DISASTER MAP
Clearly marked valves
Ladder to reach sprinkler shut off valves
