The Proper Schedule for Fire Sprinkler Maintenance

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

To avoid fire sprinkler cleanup, your system needs regular maintenance.

The Proper Schedule for Fire Sprinkler Maintenance

When you own a business in Greeneville, TN, it is important to make sure your fire system is working properly. Regular tests of each fire sprinkler and the function of the system as a whole help keep your business compliant with national, state and local fire codes. It also ensures that your system provides the necessary fire suppression during an emergency.

Visual Inspections

The first level of testing is the visual test. Set a schedule for visual inspections of the sprinklers, alarm and signal devices, control valves and pipes. Once or twice a month, you should check sprinklers for certain issues that could alter its effectiveness:

• Obstruction
• Corrosion
• Cleanliness

Valves and gauges should be checked every quarter to make sure they look like they’re supposed to look. At least once a year, check your system’s pipes and fittings, and make sure any signage posted is still accurate.

Functionality Tests

When it comes to how well your fire system functions, there are certain time frames for testing each of the parts. While the National Fire Protection Association does not require official certification to perform tests, your state and local agencies may have such restrictions. No matter who performs the test, though, you don’t want to wait until the fire sprinkler system malfunctions and floods your building to know there is a problem. Then, on top of replacing broken parts, you’ll be calling water restoration specialists to clean up a mess that could have been avoided with proper maintenance.

The mechanics of your system should be tested quarterly, and switches should be tested at least twice a year. Your test technician should complete a full test of the system annually to check water flow, alarms and antifreeze concentration. Every five years, it is a good idea to send a sampling of sprinklers to be tested in a lab and replace old sprinklers and valves before they become faulty.

To avoid fire sprinkler cleanup, your system needs regular maintenance. By having a regular testing schedule, you can protect the fire sprinkler system’s dependability. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROgreenecounty.com/.