What should be the immediate action if a sprinkler head is found to be damaged?

When a sprinkler head is found to be damaged, immediate replacement is essential to ensure the fire protection system can function correctly. Sprinkler heads are vital components in fire suppression systems, designed to activate and release water to control or extinguish a fire. Any damage—such as cracks, breaks, or corrosion—can compromise the sprinkler head's ability to operate effectively, potentially putting lives and property at risk.

Replacing it immediately not only ensures that the system remains fully operational but also prevents additional issues that could arise from a malfunctioning device. Other options, such as temporary repairs or leaving the damaged head intact, pose significant safety risks, as they may lead to system failures during a fire emergency. Testing functionality without addressing the damage also does not resolve the underlying problem and may give a false sense of security regarding the system's readiness.

In summary, immediate replacement is critical for maintaining the efficacy of fire suppression systems and ensuring that safety measures are reliable when they are most needed.