Annual Fire Sprinkler Inspection: Guide To Fire Sprinkler Inspections

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Annual Fire Sprinkler Inspection: Guide To Fire Sprinkler Inspections

Field Service Management
May 21, 2024
9 Min Read

Fire sprinkler system inspections are a necessary tag-along that comes with the protection that these systems provide against the danger of uncontrollable fires in many different environments. Whether you like it or not, fire sprinklers are here to stay, and maintaining them is necessary because not maintaining them can lead to more expenses.

If you don’t believe us, take a look at this comprehensive article by the National Fire Sprinkler Association(NFSA), which presents how fire sprinkler inspections can save lives and a lot of your money.

This guide will give you an idea of why sprinkler inspections are necessary, how they are performed, and how frequently they are performed.

Preparation For Inspections

Most inspection requirements can change according to the type of sprinkler system architecture built within your premises and the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) of your area. The regulations laid down by the National Fire Protection Association, specifically the metrics presented by the NFPA 25 standard, are a standard guideline for all areas. Any specific extra needs can be communicated with your AHJ.

The total cost of a fire sprinkler inspection can also vary according to the size of the sprinkler system and the materials used to build it, although inspections and minimal repairs cost much less than completely repairing and replacing unmaintained systems and parts of the whole structure. Here’s an article providing information about the general cost of fire sprinkler inspections.

If you notice any obstructions in your system that may prevent it from working properly, call in some fire experts so they can look at it and fix it.

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The Process and Frequency of Inspections and Testing Sprinkler Systems

Inspecting Sprinkler Systems

Weekly Inspections

Inspecting your alarm valves.
Check the gauges and the levels.
Check the primary and branching lines of the system for any external freezing.
Visually inspect all of your fire doors.

Monthly Inspections

These inspections are mostly visual and check if the system has any visible obstructions in its surrounding area.

Check all of your control valves (accessibility, condition).
Verify and visually inspect water pressure levels.
Check for external leaks in wet pipe sprinkler systems.

Quarterly Inspection

Check your mechanical water flow alarm devices and supervisory alarm devices.
Inspect fire department connections and make sure they’re in good condition.
Check your sprinkler signal devices and hydraulic nameplates.

Annual Fire Sprinkler Inspections

Annual inspections are only to be done by verified fire protection systems individuals as they are more detail-oriented and focused than other inspections.

All the pipes, sprinklers, and extra fittings must be checked for condition.
Water spray nozzles need to be inspected and checked for any blockage.
Prevention measures for backflow need to be checked.
The spare inventory of materials needs to be inspected.

5-Year Internal Sprinkler Inspection

Internally checking the pipes for any obstructions.
Checking the internal integrity of the system, conditions due to external factors like weather
Inspecting control valves, pipes, and remaining architecture for any blockages.

Testing The Sprinkler Systems

Quarterly Testing

The main drain test should be conducted to ensure no blockages.
Mechanical alarm devices must be tested and replaced if not in working condition.
Pressure-reducing valves are tested to keep the pressure levels optimal.

Semi-Annual

Throttle trip tests are conducted on dry pipe valves to clean and reset the condition.
Pressure switch-type devices must be inspected and tested for durability.

Annual Inspection and Testing

An overall complete system checking of all components within the sprinkler architecture.
Full trip tests for deluge valves, ensuring no blockages.
Antifreeze solutions need to be tested and refilled if necessary.

5 Year Testing

Testing of systems built in harsh environments or high exposure to varying temperatures.
The gauges of a fire sprinkler system need to be tested and replaced.
Overall internal maintenance inspection and testing procedures.

10 Year Testing

Dry sprinkler heads and dry systems must be replaced every ten years for the most effective life safety and sprinkler mechanism norms.

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Finding the Right Fit for Your Service Business

Maintaining your sprinkler system is essential to life safety against any fire hazards. Contrary to what many believe, fire sprinkler systems are not activated on the notion of smoke. They detect temperature levels, and they start working if the temperature goes too high.

Fire sprinkler systems are literal life-savers. Although it is normal never to have to use such a system, it exists for the reason of preventing a fire from happening before it even starts. Governmental organizations like the NFPA and the NFSA mandate these fire protection systems, so it’s not a choice given to citizens whether they want to reap the benefits of sprinkler systems or not.

Looking at it from that perspective, one of the main benefits of maintaining such systems is to lower the cost of having to repair the system. The presence of the system is mandated in any building, whether residential or corporate, and maintaining these systems can lead to better savings of unnecessary expenditures in the future.

Here’s an article detailing the importance of maintaining your sprinkler systems and the various steps included in the overall process. And if you want more helpful information about fire protection systems, check out our wide range of pieces on fire safety.