The time to winterize your Sprinkler System is before freezing weather hits!
According to NFPA statistics, 10% of sprinkler system failures are due to lack of maintenance and 7% of failures are due to damaged system components. With a little care these types of failures can be avoided when the temperature starts to drop!
Per the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA); sprinkler systems exposed to cold weather are especially vulnerable. During cold months, these systems are more susceptible to catastrophic failure. Frozen sprinkler pipes are among the more common service calls throughout winter months.
Maintaining a minimum of 40 degrees (F) is imperative in ensuring the sprinkler pipes do not freeze. Many areas that go unnoticed during the summer can create issues in cold months, these areas include, but are not limited to, entry ways (vestibules) and stairwells, unoccupied spaces, and areas that are not properly insulated.
The low point and auxiliary drains are required to be drained after each operation of the system, before the onset of freezing weather, and as needed after that. How often these drains shall be operated throughout the cold season will depend on how much condensation is in the drain.
Removing water from a dry system is an essential part of a good maintenance program. Failure to keep the dry system free of water can result in damage and expensive repairs to both the system and the building.
When not properly maintained, fire protection systems can freeze, burst, and fail to function entirely. It is extremely important to ensure that these systems are properly maintained to make sure they are ready to operate in the event of an emergency.
The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.
