Relying on your sprinkler system that had been there for 5 years without attention is a bad idea. Systems without maintenance usually filled with dirt, have a low water pressure and can even not activate in a case oа emergency. So regular and simple checks and maintenance can prove your system is always ready to fight for you.
Why Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Is Important for Your Home
Unlike common belief that fire sprinklers require no maintenance at all, this is a crucial element to support your fire protection. Dust, corrosion and accidental damage can be concealed deeply inside the system and interrupt the extinguishing process in the worst moment. So regular residential fire sprinkler maintenance ensures that valves, pipes, and sprinklers work as clockwork. In addition, many insurance companies require inspected sprinklers in houses, you can find out more here. And among fire sprinkler maintenance companies in CA, FirePro Tech is the best for inspections and maintenance of your sprinkler system.
How Often Should You Inspect Your Home Fire Sprinkler System?
If you want a quick answer, we recommend the following home fire sprinkler system maintenance schedule:
- Visual inspection every few months. A simple flow test about twice a year can confirm that water supply is alright and the system activates as expected. You can do this yourself or ask us to do that.
- annual inspection with a professional. We also advise to perform a visual inspection of the controls and sprinklers occasionally to ensure everything looks normal.
This is the easiest way to notice upcoming problems before they’ll harm your system. We have a full article about system inspection, so if you need more details look there!
Essential Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Steps for Homeowners
If you have both a house and sprinkler system you’ll find these residential fire sprinkler maintenance tips pretty useful.
Check Water Pressure and Valves Regularly
First of all, even if it sounds ridiculous, check if the system is ON and ready to activate in case of fire. Just a brief look can save your life and property. In addition, you can use a special padlock to secure the valve and by that prevent accidental shutoffs.
Reduced water pressure, on the other side, is a major issue. If it’s your problem, contact FirePro Tech — your trusted residential and commercial fire sprinkler maintenance company, so we can investigate what causes low pressure. Learn more about fire sprinkler costs in our article.
Inspect Sprinkler Heads for Damage or Obstruction
Don’t let your sprinkler heads get damaged or covered by anything. Therefore, make sure there is no corrosion, paint, or physical damage. Never paint sprinkler heads, and warn the painter iа you hire them that they shouldn’t cover them. And do not hang any decorations, even the smallest ones, on sprinkler hands, because you can accidentally damage sensitive parts or block water supply.
Test Alarms, Flow Switches, and Control Valves
Another step in home fire sprinkler system maintenance is testing alarms and switches. Check both periodically to ensure they trigger correctly. This is quite important, since an alarm alerts both you and the fire department if fire occurs.
Examine Pipe Fittings and Look for Leaks
Leaks and moisture around your house may be a worrying sign of damaged fittings. While it seems minor, with time the damage from rust will only drop the water pressure more and more. Reliable fire sprinkler maintenance companies can help you get rid of sprinkler leaks.
Maintain Proper Clearance Around Sprinkler Heads
Take a smart approach to your home design. Keep a minimum of 18 inches of clearance below each sprinkler head and remember to place your furniture and decorative elements so they don’t reduce the coverage.
Simple Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Tasks You Can Do Yourself
Of course, a professional fire sprinkler contractor would offer you a comprehensive service, but there are some things that you can start with on your own:
Keep Valves in the ON Position
As mentioned earlier, make sure all valves remain open. Lock them in place to avoid accidental closure, and perform a quick visual check monthly.
Avoid Hanging or Painting Sprinkler Heads
Never hang anything on sprinklers, not even temporarily. Doing so can damage them or block water distribution. Likewise, don’t paint sprinklers — paint can clog the nozzle and prevent proper operation.
Teach Family Members Fire Sprinkler Safety
Even though it might be obvious, it’s crucial to educate every member of the family and especially children on fire protection. Explain that a fire sprinkler system is a safety measure, not a decorative element. Everyone should know that it shouldn’t be touched or played with.
When to Call a Certified Fire Sprinkler Contractor
Simple self-inspection and maintenance can be useful to avoid costly sprinkler repairs. Nevertheless, it’s still important to hire a professional residential and commercial fire sprinkler maintenance company at least annually. Сontact us in case you’ve noticed any damage or leaks, so we can promptly address the issue. At FirePro Tech we have superior tools to inspect and maintain your system and bring it to the state as if it was just manufactured.
Conclusion
Now you know that fire sprinkler system maintenance is just a simple procedure that safeguards your home from fire hazards. Professional attitude in combination with regular checks and inspections ensures that your system won’t let you down. With FirePro Tech your home’s sprinkler system will remain effective and ready to protect your loved ones. Remember, sprinklers are not complicated — so don’t worry!