Fire Sprinkler Maintenance

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Fire sprinkler maintenance is an easy thing to forget when most businesses will never experience a fire. Fire sprinklers on your commercial property need to be checked regularly in order to prevent a disaster. When sprinklers fail to turn on, the fire damage can be devastating. Follow these simple steps to ensure your sprinklers work well. 

1. Make Sure the Water Is Turned On

It may seem obvious, but missing this step can be devastating. Confirm the water valves leading to your sprinklers are turned on. This step needs to be performed after all maintenance jobs involving water valves. 

2. Do Not Paint Over the Sprinklers

Perhaps it is tempting to paint over fire sprinklers to help them blend into the decor. However, it is important to remember they are functional, not decorative. Paint can block water flow, thus preventing them from fulfilling their purpose. 

3. Do Not Block the Sprinklers 

Make sure you do not block sprinklers, especially when utilizing precious storage space. Sprinklers cannot do their job well if they are obstructed. 

4. Check for Corrosion or Build-up

This sprinkler maintenance step is similar to not painting over the sprinkler system. Make sure to periodically check for corrosion or buildup so the sprinklers can work optimally. 

5. Make Sure the Sprinkler Pipes Don’t Freeze

Saving money by turning the heat down in an empty building may seem like a practical choice. The problem is that wet pipes can freeze in cold temperatures, preventing the sprinklers from functioning properly. Keep your building warm enough to prevent freezing pipes. 

6. Do Not Hang Things From Sprinklers 

While it is tempting to hang items from sprinklers, remember that sprinklers are not meant to hold any kind of weight. Hanging things from sprinklers can cause them to bend or break, and a broken sprinkler is no help if there is a fire. 

Keeping up with your fire sprinkler maintenance is just as important as fire prevention. Even with proper maintenance, accidents can still happen. When they do, your emergency restoration services partner can help get you back to work again. Call SERVPRO of St Clair County at 205-525-0332 and let us help you today!