How To Maintain Fire Sprinklers and Prevent Accidental Discharge

12/17/2020 (Permalink)

Have your fire sprinkler system inspected annually

Ways To Keep Your Sprinklers Running Properly

Fire sprinklers can save your building from major damage during a blaze. However, sprinklers do come with a small risk of accidental discharge.
Sprinklers can activate in the absence of a fire. This, in turn, can cause major flooding to your Swannanoa, NC, property.
Luckily, with proper sprinkler maintenance, you can prevent your fire protection system from harming the premises. 

1. Keep the Sprinklers Clean
Grease and dirt can build up on the sprinkler heads over time. This is especially common in commercial kitchens. If the grime gets really excessive, it could end up close to the sensitive bulb in the middle of the sprinkler. This bulb is what activates the sprinkler system.
To prevent accidental discharge, you thus need to keep the bulb and the surrounding sprinkler head free of any debris. Use a non-corrosive, non-residue solution to wash the sprinklers regularly.

2. Remove High Objects
Similarly, any tall items or stacked books can inadvertently set off a sprinkler if they get too close to the bulb. As part of your sprinkler maintenance, you should store these assets away from the fire protection system. Fire service experts may be able to suggest an alternative location for the supplies.
A ceiling painter can also accidentally bump into the sprinkler bulb, sending water gushing into the building. This is another reason to avoid painting the sprinkler heads.

3. Have the Sprinklers Inspected
A fire service expert should look over your sprinkler system once a year. The professional can locate any corrosion or pipe problems that could cause the sprinklers to malfunction.
Fire sprinkler maintenance is fairly simple. You just need to keep the sprinklers clean, avoid placing items near the bulb, and have the system inspected annually. Still, excess heat from cooking equipment or mechanical damage to the sprinklers can cause the water to discharge accidentally. If this happens, your local emergency cleanup company can restore your building.