Here are some of the reasons your fire sprinklers might start leaking.
Fire sprinklers are a necessary component of any building because they provide people with much-needed protection in the event of a fire emergency. However, fire sprinklers that are given less care are more susceptible to leaking. While it could be from aging, it could also be the result of any number of other variables. Here are some of the reasons your fire sprinklers might start leaking.
Overheating
Fire sprinklers can be triggered when their temperatures get too high. They won’t be able to understand the difference between a dangerous fire and a commonplace heating source. As a result, many fire sprinklers go off because they are placed near sources of heat that can trigger them.
You can stop overheating from happening with professional assistance. Professionals can assist you with replacing your lower temp heads with high temp ones. It can be a tricky procedure without experience, so it’s safer to let the pros handle everything.
Freezing
We understand that this can be odd since excess heat was another potential factor. However, the cold can trigger fire sprinklers just as well as heat. A majority of fire sprinkler systems are wet pipe systems. This means that water is filling the pipes all of the time. If this water gets put under freezing temperatures, your piping can quickly fill up with ice. Because water expands once it freezes, it’s only a matter of time until your pipe system cracks. Then, after temperatures go back up, you can start experiencing leaks or, in worse cases, entire system trips.
Moderating the temperature of these systems is the best thing you can do for them. Since wet piping systems have to be no colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit at any time, insulation goes a long way towards keeping them at the necessary temperatures. With that said, if you have areas of piping that are at risk for going below 40 degrees, you should have a dry piping system in place rather than a wet piping system.
Manufacturing Defects and Mechanical Damage
Your fire sprinklers have a minuscule chance of suffering from a manufacturing defect. However, it’s still a factor to consider when you rule out other options. Fire sprinkler manufacturers will test sprinklers on a regular basis before selling them. There is even an acceptance test done once the systems get installed, just to be sure everything works properly.
But that doesn’t mean your fire sprinklers can’t get damaged or be defective. When this happens, you’ll want to get your sprinkler system fixed or replaced entirely. Sprinkler head guards are a great way to stop accidental damage from occurring, but they can only handle so much. Heavier hits are going to overwhelm them, so it’s best not to wait to get defective sprinkler systems addressed.
KEEP YOURSELF SAFE WITH ANDERSON FIRE PROTECTION, INC.
Anderson Fire Protection, Inc. has the expertise and skill to help your home or commercial property for all your fire protection needs. We have been working in the Maryland, Northern Virginia, Southern Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. areas for over 25 years. We are known for our top-notch customer service and high-quality results. If you are ready for fantastic fire prevention and protection services, from fire sprinkler installation to fire alarm design and to consult, give us a call at (410) 796-4915 or visit us online.