There are many safety precautions that you need to take when maintaining your property. Fire safety precaution is one of the most important ones on the list. On average, 368,500 residential building fires are reported every year in the United States. Overall, this caused an estimated 2770 deaths, 11650 injuries, and $8.1 billion in property loss. These stats are enough to emphasize fire safety more and more.
Fire sprinkler systems are one of the most important safeguarding tools against these flames that you can use to not only protect the property but also lives. In fact, most of the buildings already have fire sprinkler systems installed. However, to safeguard the building and its occupants against fires, you need to ensure that your defense is in the correct working order and operating better. And for this, you need to schedule thorough fire sprinkler inspections and understand these inspections better.
Usually, for a better understanding, you question the “hows” of fire sprinkler inspections. From how these work to how to maintain sprinkler systems after inspection, the questions help you get a better idea. This is exactly what this blog will cater to. We’ll answer some of your most asked questions, starting with “How,” giving better insights into these inspections.
How Does Fire Sprinkler Inspection Work?
The process and working of sprinkler inspections are rather thorough. This comprehensiveness helps ensure the system’s proper functioning and compliance with safety regulations. Here, we discuss what really goes on during the fire sprinkler inspections.
Scheduling
Of course, the process starts with hiring a certified fire sprinkler inspector. Make sure to do the research before hiring one, as that will determine how the entire inspection process will go on.
Note that you need to schedule an inspection periodically. For this, you can refer to fire safety standards or local regulations.
Preparation
Once the inspection is scheduled, it’s time to start preparing for it. You may need to cording access to all areas where the sprinkler systems are installed. You also need to keep all the related documents ready and available in case the inspector needs those. The documents may include system blueprints and maintenance records.
Visual Inspection
The real process starts with the inspector visually examining all the components of the fire sprinkler system. This may include the following:
- Fittings
- Pipes
- Valves
- Sprinkler heads
- Control values
During the visual inspection, the inspector will look for signs of damage, corrosion, or anything that might affect the system’s performance.
Functional Testing
After visual inspection comes functional testing. This step is to verify that the system is functioning as it has to. For this, the inspector will actively test valves to ensure water flow, check alarm signals, and test pressure levels within the system.
Sprinkler Head Inspection
Each sprinkler head undergoes individual inspection to ensure it is from damage and is positioned correctly. The inspector may also check for proper clearance around each head when inspecting. This ensures unobstructed water distribution.
Documentation
During the entire inspection process, the inspector documents their findings. This includes deficiencies or areas that need repairs. The inspector needs to create detailed records to maintain compliance with regulations. In fact, during future inspections, you can also turn back to these records to find the links or to better understand the situation.
Report and Recommendations
Once the inspection is wrapped up, you get an inspection report. During the entire inspection process, the inspector highlights the issues they found during the inspection. All of this is jotted down in the inspection report. In fact, the report may also include recommendations that you can follow to address the found concerns.
How Do We Know If Our Sprinkler System Requires an Inspection?
There will be signs. Now, if you’re wondering about what could be the possible signs, then we have summarized some for you below. If you notice any of these, know that it’s time to schedule an inspection.
Visible Damage or Corrosion
The very first sign is the visible damage or corrosion. For this, you shall regularly inspect the sprinkler system and look for signs of damage, corrosion, or leaks. In case you notice any signs of physical damage, rust, or deterioration, then know it’s time…time for an inspection.
Changes in Building Occupancy or Use
If you decide to renovate the building quite often. You might also want to alter its layout or make changes to its occupancy. All of these incidents translate to the need to schedule an inspection. With an inspection, you can ensure that the building meets the new requirements and that it complies with its regulations.
Age of the System
The age is a very significant factor that determines the need for an inspection. If your building’s sprinkler system is quite old, then it’s more prone to wear and tear. This means that there’s more of a need to schedule frequent inspections and maintenance.
This helps ensure their continued reliability. Whereas comparatively, newer sprinkler systems don’t require unexpected inspections, you need to schedule periodic inspections even for these systems.
Changes in Regulations
The building regulations keep on updating. And you need to keep track of this. Stay informed and up to date with the changes in building codes and regulations, as these might affect the inspection requirements for the sprinkler system. Moreover, if there have been any significant updates to the regulations, then there’s a more frequent need for inspections.
System Modifications or Repairs
Often, building owners choose to make changes to the sprinkler system. Whether it be modifications, repairs, or upgrades, if your sprinkler system went through any of these, it’s time to schedule an inspection. With an inspection, you can ensure that the changes were completed correctly and didn’t compromise the system’s performance or integrity.
Water Pressure or Flow Issues
The water pressure or flow might either rise too much or decrease at a higher rate. It can fluctuate. If you notice any major fluctuation or deviation from natural levels, then it’s an indication that you should get an inspection. Changes in water pressure and flow translate to underlying issues, though, which itself is a major reason to go with an inspection.
Unexplained Water Damage
If you notice unexplained water damage, dampness, or mold growth in areas protected by the sprinkler system, it could be a sign of leakage or malfunction. This requires an inspection to determine where the issue is.
How to Maintain Sprinkler Systems after an Inspection?
Following are the steps you can take to maintain your system post-inspection:
Address Identified Issues
If the inspection identifies issues during the inspection, addressing them first should be your top priority. For this, you may repair or replace damaged components, adjust system settings, or improve system performance.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Create a schedule for regular maintenance activities to keep your sprinkler system in top-notch condition. For this, you may schedule periodic inspections, testing, cleaning, and lubrication of system components. Ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations or local regulations.
Monitor System Performance
Regularly monitor the sprinkler system’s performance to detect any signs of potential issues or malfunctions. This may include:
- Observing water pressure and flow rates
- Conducting periodic tests
- Responding promptly to any alarms or alerts indicating system problems
Plan for Future Inspections
Make a plan for future inspections. You shall base your plan on the recommendations from the initial inspection and any regulatory requirements. Also, determine the scope and frequency of the inspections and ensure they’re conducted and scheduled on time. This will help maintain compliance and system reliability.
Conclusion
Understanding the importance and complexities of fire sprinkler inspection is not only about compliance. It’s also about safeguarding lives and protecting the property.
By getting to know about the standards, methods, and best practices of fire sprinkler inspection, you can get insights into its process. This ensures the reliability and functionality of these fire protection systems.
You need to take every step in the sprinkler inspection with extreme caution. It helps in maintaining the security and safety of the buildings and their occupants. Once you schedule an inspection on time and follow the follow-up steps, you can ensure the system’s proper and uninterrupted functioning.
Ensure your property’s safety with TexInspec. Schedule your fire sprinkler inspection today for peace of mind.