The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) requires routine fire sprinkler systems maintenance in addition to annual inspections. When any component of your facility’s fire sprinkler system is replaced, repaired, refurbished, or replaced, it must be tested according to the requirements listed in NFPA 25: Standard for Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Waterborne Fire Protection Systems.
Frequent Maintenance
In addition to these larger scale fire sprinkler systems maintenance requirements, there are smaller but equally important tasks that must be performed weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually.
Freeze Detection
Once a year, your system’s antifreeze solution should be tested before temperatures drop below 4°C. Sprinkler lines should be checked for freezing annually.
In-Pipe Inspection
In-pipe inspection is to make sure there are no obstructions or potential for clogging in the pipes that supply water to your facility’s sprinkler heads. According to NFPA requirements, this investigation must be done every five years. The purpose of this test is to check the pipes for foreign matter. If enough foreign matter is found to potentially clog the piping system or sprinkler nozzles, a blockage survey should be performed. If obstacles are found during the inspection, the entire system should be flushed. This is a critical test as you cannot see inside your buildings piping system.
