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Fire Sprinkler System Maintenance Checklist

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets the standards for fire protection systems and measures in commercial buildings. When it comes to your fire sprinkler system, 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.”

If you’re looking for a maintenance or inspection checklist for your fire sprinkler, look no further. Below, we‘ve provided a breakdown of maintenance steps you should take with your fire sprinkler systems. If you ever have concerns or questions about fire sprinkler maintenance or inspection, you should contact a local licensed fire protection company.

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.

If you own a building in the Houston, Texas area and need to schedule your annual fire sprinkler inspection, call the experts at Kauffman Co. today at (713) 893-1090.

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.

  • DANGERS OF DIRTY SPRINKLER HEADS

    Whether your commercial building is small, or you run a large chain restaurant, paying attention to your fire safety systems is important to help you protect lives and reduce risks in the event of a fire. If your sprinkler heads have not been cleaned for some time, you may incur the following risks:

    • Delayed or unpredictable response rate
    • Blocked, reduced, or distorted spray patterns
    • Collection and re-transmission of bacteria or viruses
    • Circulation of dust and germs through HVAC systems

    When there is a build-up around the sprinkler head, the internal thermal element (a small, glass bulb that is set to break when the air reaches fire temperatures), may be too insulated by debris to react quickly. Conversely, even fire sprinklers in otherwise hygienic hospitals or offices can pick up germs and bacteria in the air, where they will continue to circulate.

    Is your old, dusty sprinkler system giving you a false sense of security? It may be in need of a cleaning.

    HOW TO CLEAN A DIRTY FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM

    Cleaning your fire sprinkler system is not the time to find out what sets off sprinkler systems accidentally! When you are about to clean your sprinkler system, always practice caution, or call an expert who can inspect, maintenance or install your fire sprinkler correctly. You may also follow these following fire sprinkler cleaning tips:

    1. Gingerly vacuum around the sprinkler head with the vacuum hose attachment. Be careful not to touch the sprinkler head with your hands or the vacuum tool.
    2. Dampen a small rag focus on clearing away any residual dust or cobwebs that accumulate around the fire sprinkler head.
    3. Using a canned air sprayer (much like the one you may clean your keyboard with), hold the can upright and spray the entire surface of the sprinkler head.

    Although these steps may seem simple, it is always best to be cautious and over-prepared when it comes to fire safety. If you are uncomfortable with heights or with handling a sensitive fire sprinkler system, please contact local fire safety professionals to survey your fire sprinkler systems.

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