Your fire sprinkler system spends most of its life idly waiting to be used—and that’s not a bad thing. In fact, it means you’ve gotten by emergency-free!
But if your sprinklers haven’t gotten much use, it’s easy to forget about the regular preventive maintenance that ensures they work properly. For this reason, homeowners and business owners often (accidentally) forego fire sprinkler maintenance best practices.
But with a few simple tips from A&A Fire Protection, you can ensure your fire sprinkler system works for many years to come:
1. Understand Your System
Knowing how your system operates is a crucial first step. After all, different types of fire sprinklers use a variety of methods to extinguish fires. Some systems may use water, while more modern models use dry chemical suppression and carbon dioxide.
Different systems will also have unique protocols for testing any performance issues. What your system uses, where it’s located, and what it’s meant for are all things you should know before you start fire sprinkler care.
2. Schedule Regular Inspections
Professional inspections are the most straightforward way to check your system for wear and handle any issues that could trigger a malfunction. Regular inspections make your maintenance easier, and ongoing care leads to a longer-lasting system. Make it easy and schedule routine inspections ahead of time so you don’t have to question whether you’ve had yours yet.
3. Ensure Thorough Maintenance
An industry professional should handle all maintenance to your fire sprinkler system; very rarely are there instances where you can make minor adjustments yourself. Hiring a team that covers all fire sprinkler services is essential. You should expect a visual inspection, sprinkler head testing, and pressure and drain checks from the organization you partner with. It’s no secret: thorough maintenance (independent of inspections) can also dramatically increase the longevity of your system.
4. Keep Sprinklers Free and Clean
Fire sprinklers need enough space to discharge and extinguish the flame. Avoid putting anything close to system heads that could potentially block them in an emergency. Placing objects too close to the system could also cause the sensors to malfunction and cause the system to behave strangely. Regular cleaning should also be on your to-do list; dirt and dust can clog up your system and reduce its effectiveness, which is the last thing you want during a fire.
5. Start Strong with Proper Installation
If you’re investing in a new system, one of the great ways to get started on the right foot is by hiring professionals to install your fire sprinkler. Professional installation ensures that your system is optimized and working as intended right from the start. Hire a reputable company that specializes in fire sprinkler installation, especially if you have a unique design or if it’s in a hard-to-reach area.
6. Do Your Part
While hiring professionals to maintain your system is always a good idea, performing light supplementary care yourself is still essential. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends a few preventive maintenance tasks that a homeowner or business owner could easily do themselves, including:
- Visually inspecting your sprinklers
- Scheduling inspections if property ownership changes
- Testing water flow devices once every six months
- Conducting risk and internal piping assessments
- Testing valves and the flow of water
The NFPA also recommends never hanging anything from or painting your sprinklers. Doing so could help their performance or render them valid altogether.
Professional Maintenance and So Much More
Fire sprinkler systems can save your life if you take good care of them. To ensure your property is protected, A&A Fire Protection is here to provide premier fire sprinkler services. We cover all facets of fire sprinkler systems, including maintenance and installation. Contact our team today to learn how we can help you stay safe!
