Sprinklers can be an important part of your fire protection plan. We inspect and repair both wet & dry systems. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) establishes the standards and guidelines for fire protection systems. When it comes to fire sprinkler systems specifically, the NFPA 25 is the standard for inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems and “compliance helps maximize integrity to avoid failure and ensure fast, effective response in a fire emergency.”
FIRE SPRINKLER MAINTENANCE
At The Fire & Safety Equipment Company we provide your inspections and service to make sure you and your building are safe and your sprinklers are working the way they should.
WEEKLY INSPECTION CHECKLIST FOR SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
Gauges – the gauges on dry, pre-action, and deluge systems should be inspected weekly. In this step, you’re looking for a normal read on air and water pressure.
Control valves – you should check these weekly to ensure that they are free from leaks, locked, properly sealed, and in the open position. Proper signage should identify what part of your sprinkler they control.
MONTHLY INSPECTION CHECKLIST FOR SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
Gauges (on wet pipe systems) – you should check that the water pressure is maintained and that there is no sign of physical damage.
Alarm valves – these should be externally inspected each month.
QUARTERLY INSPECTION CHECKLIST FOR SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
Alarm devices – every three months, check that these are free from physical damage.
Hydraulic nameplate – check that this is secured to the sprinkler riser and legible.
ANNUAL INSPECTION CHECKLIST FOR SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
The NFPA requires that you have a licensed technician inspect your fire sprinkler system annually to keep your building safe and up to code. The technician will inspect and maintain all components of your fire sprinkler system, including:
- Gauges
- Control valves
- Alarm devices
- Hangers/bracing
- Pipes and fittings
- Sprinkler heads
- Antifreeze solution
- Pre-action/deluge valves
- Backflow prevention components
- Main drain
- Water flow alarm
They will also check for any necessary repairs or obstructions that would prevent the system from protection your building’s life and property in the event of a fire emergency.
OTHER FREQUENCIES FOR SPRINKLER SYSTEMS MAINTENANCE
There are other components of your fire sprinkler system that require certain maintenance and replacement at different intervals:
Gauges – gauges should be replaced or tested every five years by a licensed fire sprinkler technician to determine the calibration.
Sprinkler heads – these should be replaced every 50 years. If your sprinkler heads are “fast response,” they should be replaced every 20 years.
Valves – the sprinkler valves should be internally inspected every five years.
If your fire sprinkler system is ever damaged or requires repair, regular maintenance should not be your solution. Call a professional fire protection company—they will be able to fix your system and ensure that your building remains safe and up to code.