The Importance of Maintaining Your Fire Sprinklers

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

The sprinklers in your building's fire system can provide an excellent defense against excessive fire damage. When working properly, they can save the structure of the building and increase the likelihood that everyone escapes safely. Regular sprinkler maintenance and protection are necessary to keep them in good working condition. These tips can help you ensure your system operates the way it's supposed to operate.

Yearly Inspection

At least once a year, the fire marshal in Valley Brook, OK, should inspect your fire system to make sure everything is working well. There are many potential points on the inspector's checklist:

• Valves are open.
  
• Sprinkler heads are clean.
  
• Objects in room are are all below the fire line.
  
• System has appropriate water pressure.
  
  

You may not know there is a problem with your fire sprinklers until the fire marshal finds it. This leaves your building vulnerable to more damage in the event of a fire.

Sprinkler Care

Even if your sprinklers are in good working order, they may cause a lot of water damage if they are accidentally activated. Good sprinkler maintenance doesn't just stop at making sure they're functional. It also includes taking care of them so that they aren't triggered unless they're needed. Sprinkler heads are designed to be triggered by heat, and they don't discern between heat from different sources. Make sure your sprinklers are calibrated so that only the excessive heat that they would detect from a fire will set them off. Freezing temperatures or leaks in the supply pipes can also cause sprinklers to leak, resulting in potentially significant water damage. Protecting your sprinklers from extreme temperatures can keep them from discharging water at inopportune times.
Water damage experts are trained to clean up after your fire sprinklers discharge. While this damage is expected after a fire, it can occur if you don't take care of your sprinklers. Regular sprinkler maintenance can help you avoid unnecessary triggers.