Fire Sprinkler Systems are an essential part of the security system for any commercial or industrial building.
They serve as front lines of defense when it comes to fire protection, and can help contain fire damage or even save lives and property. But even the best of systems can run into trouble if you’re not taking proper fire sprinkler maintenance steps.
Below, we outline the top five fire sprinkler system problems that business owners and facility managers face, as well as how to prevent them so that your system is always available when you need it.
Commercial Fire Sprinkler Issues
Corrosion and Rust in Sprinkler Pipes
The Issue:
Corrosion is one of the most significant concerns with fire sprinkler systems, particularly in older and neglected systems.
Rust can develop as the chain is exposed to air and moisture inside the pipes over time. This not only weakens the pipes, but it can lead to leaks or material deposits that impair the effectiveness of the system in a fire.
How to Stop It:
Inspect Often: The secret to fending off corrosion for your commercial fire sprinkler system is through regular inspections.
Arranging for inspections by qualified personnel will allow you to detect early corrosion and make timely repairs or replacements of the pipes. Nitrogen generators can also be used so that they displace oxygen in the system, delaying the corrosion process. Learn more about fighting corrosion in your system.
Improper Sprinkler Head Clearance
The Issue:
With sprinkler heads, however, the storage or location of equipment may hinder their full coverage. Improper run-off may distribute water unevenly, and ultimately annihilate the system’s ability to quench flames.
How to Stop It:
The clearance around each sprinkler head is important for the efficient performance. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states.
You must not hang things from any sprinkler head and have a minimum of 18 inches from everything on the ceiling below the sprinkler head.
Periodic audits of workspace design, particularly in warehouses or storage spaces, can maintain that clearance. Have a process for reminding employees and contractors to keep sprinkler heads free from blocking.
Leaks in Fire Sprinkler System
The Issue:
Leaks are a fact of life that can undermine the efficacy of a commercial fire sprinkler system. Corroded pipes, cracked seals or some form of physical impact can cause leaks. Small leaks can accumulate causing water damage and even worse, your system to fail in an emergent situation.
How to Stop It:
When it comes to maintaining fire sprinklers and testing if your system works, it is important to stay vigilant looking for leaks. Develop a quarterly maintenance schedule regarding a professional check for leaks, pressure test and to ensure all of your connections are tight. Tackling leaks as soon as they come up can help you avoid more expensive repairs in the future.
Clogged or Dirty Sprinkler Heads
The Issue:
Soil or particles can build up on sprinkler heads, especially in industrial environments with large amounts of particle-laden air. Obstructed sprinkler heads can also diminish water flow, obscurest spray patterns, which can impact the system’s ability to suppress a fire rapidly.
How to Stop It:
It is important to keep sprinkler heads clean or else the might clog and not work perfectly. If you work or live in a dusty or dirty environment, like in a manufacturing plant/factory or warehouse–they might need to be washed even more often.
It’s also wise to have a certified technician perform an annual inspection to check the state and effectiveness of your system overall.
False Alarms and Accidental Activations
The Issue:
They can trigger false alarms, unintended discharges and unnecessary drops resulting in a sharp business downtime, potential water damage and expensive cleanup costs. Such incidents can be caused by mechanical failure, environmental conditions, or human error.
How to Stop It:
Regularly test and calibrate your commercial fire sprinkler system’s sensors and controls to lessen the probability of false alarms.
Make certain your employees are educated about how to operate the system and not activate it inadvertently. Protective covers over fire sprinkler heads installed in high-traffic areas can protect against accidental damage as well.
The Importance of Regular Fire Sprinkler Maintenance
The power of an effectively maintaining a fire sprinkler system! Regular, scheduled maintenance and inspection are important aspects in assuring the reliability of any fire sprinkler system.
A professional fire protection business maintains your system so that it protects your business, property and people.
Their licensed professionals have the knowledge to pinpoint potential problems before they become a big problem, so your system is always up to code and ready in a crisis.
Brazas Fire Can Help
At Brazas Fire we specialize in designing, installing and servicing commercial and industrial fire sprinkler systems.
We know the latest NFPA codes, so your system is always code compliant in Lansing and beyond. From corrosion to leaks we strive to offer you the best possible quality service at a reasonable price.
Businesses throughout Albuquerque and New Mexico have relied on us to guard their property and people for many years. Don’t wait for a small problem to become something dangerous. Call us today to book a system inspection or inquire about our proactive preventive commercial fire sprinkler maintenance contracts.
Avoiding Fire Sprinkler System Problems is About Safeguarding Your Business
By proactively tackling common fire sprinkler problems, you’re not only adhering to safety requirements, but investing in the future security and safety of your business.
Commercial and industrial facilities must be proactive with fire sprinkler services, get regular inspections on equipment, have employees trained to help prevent fire accidents. Book your fire sprinkler system inspection with Brazas Fire now!