5 most common reasons for standpipe systems fail

 Fire sprinkler systems are the best potential option for reducing fire’s devastating impact on people and property. For this reason, this technology is in use since the late 19th century. Standpipe systems are very important for the fire hydrant system, which is an arrangement of piping, valves, hose connections, and associated equipment to deliver water supply in time of need. The water can be sprayed through the nozzles for the purpose of extinguishing an uncontrollable fire.

• The common mistake in standpipe systems:

 Due to tiny negligence, the standpipe systems may fail and the fire protection system may not work in a time of intense necessity. For this reason, the professional standpipe systems services in California advises checking the standpipes and fire sprinkler system from time to time, to ensure their performance in the time of need. In the following section, we will mention the five most common reasons for standpipe systems fail.

1. System shutdown:

As per the statistical findings in almost two-thirds (64%) of sprinkler failure cases because the equipment is found shut down or shut off. This may happen due to some kind of leaks or other impairments in the supply line and for that, the connection gets hampered. Therefore the professionals advise for periodic inspection, testing, and maintenance of the fire protection systems to avoid any chance of failure.

2. Intervention manually: 

The study shows that 17% of standpipe related failure happens due to manual intervention. As per the experts at professional standpipe systems repair in California, manual intervention may happen due to an obstruction that prevents the fire’s heat from activating the sprinkler system. Also, the obstruction in the standpipes or sprinkler system can prevent the water from reaching the hazard, or may hamper the sprinkler water discharge pattern.

3. Damaged components:

This is the most casual error for standpipe systems failure and s per the statistics that contributes to 7% of sprinkler system failures. This is quite obvious that for any damaged components that a particular portion of the entire system may not work. The intensity of failure depends on the nature and functions of the damaged component. To avoid any such condition the entire fire protection system needs to be checked within a regular interval.

4. Maintenance negligence: 

This factor contributes about 6% of standpipe system failure and lack of maintenance should not be a reason for failure in the case of a life-saving tool. To avoid any such incident the reputed fire sprinkler systems services in California advises life safety system testing from time to time. This will ensure the fire protection system will work perfectly in time of a devastating fire and the inhabitants and properties will be safe.

5. Wrong systems for hazard:

This is the last as well as the most nominal common reasons for standpipe systems failure, as the statistics of this failure is only 5%. Even, if the proportion is little but still it should be avoided entirely. To avoid the selection of wrong systems for hazards determining the occupancy classification or commodity type is one of the most critical decisions in designing standpipe and fire sprinkler systems. The sprinkler discharge criteria, sprinkler spacing, and water supply requirements through the standpipes need to be fixed perfectly.

Final thoughts:

In California, standpipe systems installation is mandatory for every high-rise building, and among all the estimated sprinkler system failures these five are the most common. The most common reason is system shut off and to prevent that it is advised to keep a supporting power source for your fire protection systems. Also, daily maintenance is the best way to avoid any such unfortunate failure of standpipe systems.