Keeping Your Building's Sprinklers in Top Condition

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

Maintain your fire sprinklers.

The Importance of Sprinkler Maintenance

As a building owner in Bluffton, SC, you understand the importance of sprinkler maintenance. Not only is it imperative that your sprinklers correctly switch on when needed but also that they only switch on when needed. The following are tips for keeping your system in top condition:

1. Maintain Your Fire Sprinklers
Sprinkler maintenance is the first step to reliable fire protection. All sprinklers should have a minimum of 18 inches of clearance below them. Once a year, a qualified contractor should inspect the system, including the heads, valves, fire pump (if applicable) and main drain. Every five years, a contractor should conclude an internal inspection, assessing pipes for buildup and debris. 

2. Avoid Accidental Activation
Correctly maintaining the system can help avoid accidental activation caused by pipe corrosion or damaged components. However, there are other things to look for regarding sprinkler activation. Circumvent overheating heads by installing them away from stoves and skylights, for example. Vandalism can also be an issue in certain areas. Installing institutional sprinklers that are difficult to access helps dissuade vandals. 

3. Educate Your Tenants
It's important that those living or working in the building understand their part in keeping sprinklers in working order and avoiding accidental activation. Inform tenants not to hang anything from heads, such as decorations or clothes hangers. Instruct them not to bump into the sprinklers (cages can be installed to avoid this) or tamper with them. If an issue arises, they should contact building maintenance rather than trying to repair the problem alone. In the event of sprinkler activation, it is always beneficial to contact a certified cleaning and restoration crew.
In the case of commercial fire, everyone hopes that their sprinkler system will perform correctly. In addition, it's essential that sprinklers not be activated unnecessarily, resulting in a hassle for tenants and financial strain for building owners. Sprinkler maintenance can go a long way in ensuring peace of mind for both possible situations.