Fire sprinkler systems: Maintenance and repair for reliable protection
A fire sprinkler system must be reliable, kicking in fast in the event of a fire breaking out and triggering fire alarms. The faster a fire is discovered, the less damage there is.
Fire sprinkler systems contain many parts (control valves, storage tanks, piping) and the entire system is only as strong as its weakest point. Regular fire sprinkler servicing is crucial for ensuring fire safety and making sure that your premises meet building safety regulations.
Need a fire suppression sprinkler system overhaul or servicing plan for a commercial facility or residential space?
Fire sprinkler systems are typically reliable, lasting decades. False activations usually occur at the end of the fire sprinkler systems life cycle due to corrosion of the pipes. It takes a significant heat release or accidental damage to the pipes to activate a fire sprinkler system. Performance issues would be indicative of a system being overdue for servicing and maintenance – more reason to ensure that your sprinkler system is serviced to a regular schedule by competent technicians.
The components in fire sprinkler systems have regular recommended servicing intervals.
It is recommended that you inspect your fire system every month (this can be conducted by a competent person in your organisation) for general checks. This ensures that your system is both functional and operating within the correct specifications (for example, that sufficient water is discharged – neither too much, nor too little).
Individual components in fire sprinkler systems have their own recommended service frequency:
| 1 year Servicing fire sprinkler system pumps Pumps for sprinkler systems should be serviced annually, using a registered and approved technician, so that pumps are able to supply water at the correct pressure and flow in the event of emergency. | 3 years Servicing & overhauling fire sprinkler valves Valves should be overhauled every three years to ensure that they function correctly and that there are no leaks. |
Whether you have an existing system that needs extensive overhauling or you are looking for a new installation, East Rand Fire has fifty years’ experience in fire system installation and maintenance. Components such as pipes are pre-painted and epoxy-coated off-site. Your facilities stay mess-free, and fuss-free, during your routine service, system overhaul, or the installation of a brand new fire sprinkler network.
Contact East Rand Fire for emergency sprinkler system repairs
What is the scope of a typical fire sprinkler overhaul?
Ensuring that water flow is correct and piping and drains are not obstructed.
Replacing worn or ageing fire sprinkler system components such as gaskets, valves and couplings.
Ensuring that the sprinkler system is capable of supplying the correct volume of water at the expected pressure.
Patching minor leaks and replacing pipes which are beyond patching. Painting exposed pipe work to prevent external rust.
A good fire sprinkler system using epoxy-coated components may last for the life of your building, but this depends on the system being serviced frequently enough for each individual part to contribute to the integrity and reliability of the whole.
What’s the difference? EMERGENCY VS ROUTINE FIRE SPRINKLER SERVICING:
Emergency sprinkler system repair demands swift response.
In the event of an emergency (such as a leak being sprung that could cause stock damage), you need a sprinkler repair service that offers fast turnaround time.
Routine servicing should also offer fast turnaround so that inspection and maintenance is minimally disruptive to your premises and ‘business as usual’.
If you move to premises that have a legacy fire sprinkler system installed, thorough inspection will proactively identify any risks from worn or damaged parts so that you can overhaul the system safely well in advance of any emergency or begin a routine maintenance plan that will keep everything working optimally.
Fire sprinkler installations for small/minor works
Smaller buildings such as homes and separate commercial facilities such as shops and doctors’ rooms may also require fire sprinklers.
The key difference between commercial and residential installations is the quantity of water supply available and used. Because residential buildings and freestanding homes have smaller water supplies than large-scale commercial or industrial complexes, residential systems are often designed to trigger earlier upon detection of a potential fire.
Concealed fire sprinkler heads are often preferred in residential property installations since they do not disrupt decorative elements and keep ceilings looking neater.
East Rand Fire services and repairs sprinkler systems for small works alongside larger, industrial-scale systems.