A small ignition source is enough for fire to destroy any massive thing in a second. So fire safety is crucial as it can save precious lives and avoid damage to property and materials.
Installing a fire safety system alone isn’t sufficient; you must inspect if it is in good working condition. This article points out some 5 signs your business’s fire sprinkler needs to be inspected and repaired.
What is a Fire Sprinkler?
Among all the other components in a fire equipment system, the fire sprinkler is crucial. It is responsible for triggering and discharging water or another fire-extinguishing medium to extinguish a fire in your building. So the sprinklers are designed to respond to fires automatically when it senses them. Despite playing such an important role, if it is not working in need of the hour, everything would go in vain.Signs Your Business’s Fire Sprinkler System Needs Inspection & repair
In this segment, you will find the signs that point out you need to repair or replace your existing commercial fire sprinkler system.- Leaks: Leaks in your fire sprinkler are a major concern and need immediate inspection. These leaks not only prevent your fire safety system from triggering in case of a fire but also risk property damage. So if you find puddles or water damage near pipes, then it’s a burst or leaky pipe, and it needs a quick check. Upon inspection, you can decide whether to repair or replace it.
- Head/Pipe Damage: There are multiple chances for your system to get physically damaged. If you spot any visual damage on the head pipe or the other pipping connected, it can lead to malfunction and thus result in improper water flow in case of a fire.
- Corrosion: The metal pipe connected to the sprinkler holds water. So the chances of getting corroded are high. If the metal piping in your system is corroded or rusted, then it might cause the sprinkler to leak. So check for corrosion in your sprinklers if you notice any rust or any discolored water from the pipe.
- Your Fire Extinguisher System is Old: If you can find visual damage or leak in multiple places where you have installed your fire safety equipment, it indicates that it’s time to inspect its proper working. As older materials can have internal defects or outdated parts for proper fire prevention, it needs replacement.
- Physically Remodeled the Building: Remodeling a building involves cutting up drywall and infiltrating sensitive components in the building’s interior. If you have altered your building, it is critical to inspect the fire sprinkler system to ensure optimum working conditions.
What Does an Inspection Include?
Now comes the crucial question. The fire sprinkler inspection includes a comprehensive check on your entire system. You must check the sprinkler’s head, gauges, and control valves for correct functionality. Additionally, the sensors and alarm device needs to check for any malfunction or damage, whereas the flow valves and main lines need to check for corrosion, rust, or signs of damage.Fire Sprinkler Inspection Schedule
The fire sprinkler inspection is often scheduled annually, semiannually, quarterly, and sometimes monthly. However, this depends on some factors like your building’s occupancy type, the components used in the sprinkler system, etc.What is the Difference Between Testing and Inspecting a Fire Sprinkler System?
Inspecting the fire sprinkler system involves examining the sprinkler head for signs of leakage, corrosion, and paint.
Meanwhile, testing the fire sprinkler system involves checking if it’s functioning properly. For example, testing for proper water flow and pressure, checking if the sprinkler gets activated automatically when the alarm is activated, etc.
Either way, if you find some component damaged, it get repaired ASAP.
