Maintaining and Inspecting Fire Sprinklers in Your Building

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Sprinkler maintenance does not have to be a complicated process and can be simple when you know the most common areas to check.

As fire sprinklers are likely a required element of any business, it is necessary to perform routine sprinkler maintenance to ensure proper functionality and to limit the risk of premature discharge. While performing this routine maintenance, there are at least four elements you should inspect.

1. Check for Surface Damage

While inspecting your sprinkler system, you may come across areas of corrosion. This can be normal damage; however, if it is not dealt with, it can lead to a burst pipe, as rusting weakens the waterline. To prevent corrosion, you should inspect your sprinkler system for any minor leaks and repair them once found.

2. Check for Parts Separation

If you come across sprinkler heads that are showing signs of separation, this can be an indication of mechanical damage. In this instance, complete separation can occur from minimal impact, resulting in an open water line and causing flooding in your building. If you notice signs of separation, you should immediately call in a professional to remedy the situation.

3. Check for Temperature Fluctuations

Fire sprinklers cannot differentiate between heat from a heating unit and heat from a fire. If the sprinklers sense a temperature above a certain level, they may be triggered. Additionally, heat is not the only thing you have to be concerned about when performing sprinkler maintenance checks, as frigid temperatures can cause freezing in the sprinkler lines, which can lead to separation and failure of the pipes. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a consistent temperature in areas where sprinklers are located and to avoid any drastic fluctuations.

4. Check for Possible Vandalism

An unfortunate need for inspection is the possibility of vandalism. Whatever the reasoning behind the vandalism, the culprit may cause significant damage to your sprinkler system that is not immediately evident, leading to a delayed event that is meant to produce the most damage possible.

As sprinkler systems are typically a requirement in Knoxville, TN, buildings, it is essential to maintain them properly to ensure their effective operation. Sprinkler maintenance does not have to be a complicated process and can be simple when you know the most common areas to check.