5 Major Causes of Fire Sprinkler System Deficits

 Whenever you have to prevent a potentially harmful and ruinous fire, fire sprinklers are the most reliable option. In NFPA's latest report on US Experience with Sprinklers, a lot of statistics were collected regarding fire alarm systems in Glendora and other locations to establish the fruitfulness and trustworthiness of these systems. It has been discovered that in comparison to properties without sprinkler systems, properties that did have them reduced the death rate of each fire by 82% and the direct property damage of each fire by 68%. Apart from this, it has been found that in structure fires sufficiently large to activate the system, sprinklers operated and were useful in 87% of properties with fire sprinklers. 

 

So, the question remains what about the 13% of sprinkler systems that did not operate and prove functional, even with a sound fire alarm in Glendora and other places? In this article, we will find out the probable reasons why these systems were flawed. We have identified the following most common reasons for the deficiencies of the fire sprinkler system. 

 

1. Lack of Evaluation 

 

NFPA 25 has particular prerequisites to scrutinize your fire system. Out of those inspection preconditions, NFPA mandates monthly, quarterly, and annual inspections to confirm that your system is functioning smoothly. They also need an internal inspection of sprinkler piping once every five years. The internal inspection necessitates professionals to take the end of the line apart, check if there is an accumulation of sludge, then flush the valves. Most people are not aware when their system is up for a five-year inspection or they don't assess their system regularly, running the risk of a faulty system. 

 

2. Clogged Sprinkler Heads 

 

Defective sprinkler heads can be caused by the accumulation of dust and other foreign materials, like paint overspray. This issue can be manually fixed by cleansing the heads. However, if with time, the buildup deteriorates, it may compel you to replace the entire head. 

 

3. Misplaced Spare Heads or Sprinkler Head Wrench 

 

When you own a wet system with 299 or a lesser number of total sprinkler heads, NFPA mandates a minimum of six spare sprinkler heads if there are any emergency repairs. There have to be at least two of each type. Having these on deck during an emergency, along with a head wrench allows for there to be a higher possibility that your system will function devoid of any flaws. 

 

4. Backflow Failure 

 

Backflow prevention devices are mostly applied to prevent contaminated water within a sprinkler system by switching the flow of water. Unfortunately, if the device fails to do this, it often leads to an ineffective fire sprinkler system. It is necessary for you that these systems are checked annually to ensure that the quality of our drinking water is not compromised. Professional experts offer backflow testing services to inspect all backflow preventers as per the ASSE and ABBA protocols. During the annual check-ups, relief valves, check valves, buffers, air inlet, and shut-off valves, need to be checked to ensure that the backflow system runs efficiently enough. 

 

5. Sprinkler Head Needs Testing 

 

NFPA mandates that all standard response sprinkler heads have to be tested every 50 years and quick response heads every decade. As this requirement is semi-new, large mansions, educational institutes, and warehouses built in the 1960s are just now needing these inspections. The systems in these buildings are very old. So, they could be prone to problems, causing flawed responses. 

 

Inference 

 

Keeping your fire sprinkler system well maintained and regularly inspected by the best fire sprinklers systems service in California and other locations has to be a priority to maintain your system in optimal condition.