9 Maintenance Tips for Your Fire Sprinkler System

Fire sprinkler systems are vital for protecting your employees, visitors, and business from fire hazards. The NFPA reports that in 94% of structural fires with sprinklers, the fire was contained to the room of origin — compared to only 70% in properties without a system in place.

However, installing these systems is only the first step. Regular maintenance and inspections are also important to guarantee their proper function when needed.

At Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection, we help businesses in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware keep their fire sprinkler systems fully operational. Here are the top maintenance tips to ensure your system remains reliable in the event of a fire outbreak.

Why Maintain Your Fire Sprinkler Systems?

Well-maintained fire sprinkler systems can be the difference between a minor fire and a catastrophic disaster for your business. When you prioritize maintaining your fire safety equipment, you can:

• Ensure the system activates properly during a fire
• Better protect both lives and your property
• Stay compliant with fire codes, insurance requirements, and OSHA regulations, including the OSHA 1910.159(c)(2) requirement for annual main drain flow tests
• Prevent system failures caused by issues such as leaks or blockages
• Catch minor functional problems early, avoiding expensive repairs later
• Reduce your legal liabilities if a fire occurs

Must-Know Tips for Maintaining Your Fire Sprinkler Systems

Maintaining your fire sprinkler systems involves several key tasks. The following tips ensure your systems remain reliable, ready to activate during an emergency, and meet required standards.

Regular inspections

Fire sprinkler systems are prone to leaks, corrosion, and blockages, which can lead to failure in emergencies and non-compliance with safety regulations. That’s why it’s important to schedule professional inspections at least once a year to catch potential issues early before they escalate.

Your fire safety professional will check components like sprinkler heads and valves and perform a thorough internal assessment of the piping. They’ll also check and replace any defective parts.

Check water pressure

The recommended water pressure for fire sprinkler systems varies based on the building type and the sprinkler heads used. Typically, the minimum pressure for a sprinkler head is around 7 PSI, while most systems are designed to operate at pressures up to 175 PSI.

If the pressure is too low, the system won’t be able to release enough water to control or extinguish a fire effectively.

That’s why it’s important to regularly monitor the pressure gauge to catch any changes early. Additionally, a primary drain flow test must be performed annually to verify that the system maintains adequate pressure.

Inspect sprinkler heads

Regularly examine your sprinkler heads for any signs of damage, dirt, obstructions, or corrosion. If you notice any debris or blockages, clean them promptly to ensure they can deliver water effectively during an emergency.

Inspecting them thoroughly is important to confirm that they aren’t worn out or damaged beyond repair.

Remember, a malfunctioning sprinkler head can hinder the entire system’s effectiveness. It might also be a good idea to keep extra sprinkler heads just in case you need to replace the existing ones.

Test alarms and control valves

Alarms and control valves in fire sprinkler systems work together to ensure safety. They detect fires, notify occupants and emergency services, and activate sprinklers for a coordinated response.

It’s important to test them regularly to confirm they are functioning correctly in the event of a fire. This ensures that the system responds quickly and effectively, giving all occupants in your business adequate time to evacuate and emergency services to respond.

According to the NFPA, an inspector’s test valve should be opened every two years to verify that the sprinkler system operates as expected.

Check pipe fittings

Pipe fittings in fire sprinkler systems connect and hold the pipes together, ensuring water flows without leaks to the sprinkler heads. They maintain proper pressure during a fire and make it easier to design, install, and maintain the system.

Maintaining pipe fittings involves regularly checking for leaks, rust, or corrosion. Even minor leaks can cause major problems, such as low water pressure and system failure. Pay close attention to joints and connections, as these areas are often prone to wear.

If there are any signs of damage, it’s important to address them immediately to prevent further deterioration.

Maintain adequate clearance

Ensure there is at least 18 inches of clearance beneath all sprinkler heads at all times. This space allows water to spread effectively during a fire and prevents obstructions that could block water flow and reduce the system’s efficiency.

Be sure to regularly check that nothing is stored or placed near the sprinkler heads that might hinder their operation. Also, ensure that new installations, such as shelving or equipment, don’t interfere with the sprinkler system’s clearance.

Maintaining proper clearance enhances the overall effectiveness of your fire sprinkler systems.

Test flow switches

Flow switches in fire sprinkler systems detect water movement in the pipes and activate the fire alarm when there’s a fire.

To test flow switches, find the test valve near the flow switch and slowly open it to make water flow, setting off the fire alarm. Check that the alarm goes off and the flow switch paddle moves, then close the test valve and reset the fire alarm system.

Finally, document the test results, including the date, time, and any problems you notice for future reference.

Train your employees

Proactively training your staff on fire sprinkler systems ensures they can respond effectively in an emergency.

Employees should be familiar with operating manual pull stations to activate fire alarms, controlling valves, and understanding Fire Department Connections (FDCs) for additional water supply. Additionally, they’ll need to recognize pre-action systems to verify the fire sprinkler system functions properly during emergencies.

This training ensures compliance with safety regulations and helps minimize damage and business interruptions. At Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection, our fire safety training program can teach your employees how these systems work, their correct operation, and tips for responding quickly during emergencies.

Hire certified professionals

Fire sprinkler systems are complex yet delicate parts of a comprehensive fire protection system. That’s why you should always rely on licensed, highly experienced sprinkler contractors to maintain and repair them.

These experts are fully trained and certified in modern fire protection equipment. They have extensive experience maintaining systems and ensuring compliance with safety codes. They can quickly identify potential issues and offer solutions to keep your system running efficiently.

While contracting certified technicians may involve an upfront cost, it ultimately saves you money by preventing expensive repairs in the future.

Wrapping Up

The advantages of maintaining your fire sprinkler systems go far beyond basic safety requirements. It not only ensures the systems function effectively, but also significantly reduces the risk of damage and saves lives in an emergency.

At Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection, we understand the importance of a reliable sprinkler system. Contact us today to schedule a maintenance check to ensure your system is always ready to act when you need it most.