If your fire sprinkler system is leaking, it is very important to make sure that there is no active fire triggering your sprinkler system to drain. Once you are sure that your facility is not a fire hazard, call your fire protection company and share as many details about the leak as possible. These details will help give him an idea of what to expect during repairs.
Why Do Leaks Occur in Fire Sprinkler Systems?
Fire sprinkler systems are prone to corrosion, damage, equipment failure and freezing temperatures.
Corrosion
Corrosion causes punctures by forming rust in pipes and/or sprinkler heads. It can occur in both wet and dry pipe sprinkler systems. One cause of corrosion is the exposure of sprinkler systems to oxygen. Another is an aggressive, accelerated type of corrosion caused by bacteria.
Damage
Sprinkler systems are used for forklifts, ladders, equipment, etc. may be accidentally damaged by
Equipment Failure
Equipment failure in sprinkler systems can result from manufacturing or human assembly errors. Routine wear and tear can cause sprinkler systems to leak if not maintained regularly. Another common fault that causes fire sprinkler systems to leak is o-ring seals. Gasket wear can cause leaks. Over-tightened sprinkler heads or fittings can cause leaks.
Freezing Temperatures
Freezing pipes is another common cause of leakage in wet pipe fire sprinkler systems and is less common in dry pipe and pre-action sprinkler systems because they do not have a constant water supply.
What Should You Do If You Notice a Leak in the Fire Sprinkler System?
As soon as you notice a leak in your fire sprinkler system, try to determine why it is leaking and whether it is necessary to evacuate the building. Water can cause electrical components to short-circuit or even ignite, causing a fire in your facility.
If a large amount of water is flowing through your system, it may be necessary to shut off the facility’s water supply to prevent water damage. Even if you only see water dripping, the pressure gauges should be checked according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to see if there are other leaks in the piping circuit.
After investigating the source of the leak and, if necessary, evacuating the building and shutting off the water supply, your maintenance company should be contacted. As much detail as possible about the leak should be shared.
