How Often Should a Fire Sprinkler System Be Serviced?

A fire sprinkler system is designed to protect people, buildings and property when a fire breaks out. For that to happen effectively, it is important to service it as regularly as possible.

Without regular fire sprinkler maintenance and servicing, the responsible person, whoever that may be, is taking an unnecessary risk that could be disastrous. So, how often should a fire sprinkler system be serviced?

For many commercial systems, regular inspections and an annual service form an important part of the maintenance schedule. In other words, you should never go past a year even if you’ve never had to use it. However, the exact requirements depend on the type of system, the building and the applicable standards.

Click here or call 0113 394 4040 to contact Armstrong Priestley. We are a specialist fire safety company with decades of experience helping keep both residential and commercial buildings compliant with the range of services we provide, including fire sprinkler system servicing.

How Often Should a Fire Sprinkler System Be Serviced?

The best answer to this question is that a fire sprinkler system should be regularly inspected, tested and maintained by a competent person.

Regular testing can include:

Visual inspections
Checks of system valve sets
Flow tests
Examination of mechanical components

If a more detailed inspection is required, or something doesn’t feel quite right, then a professional needs to come check the system design and applicable BS EN 12845 and LPC rules. The ultimate aim is to identify problems before they affect the reliability of the sprinkler system, and fix them immediately.

What Does Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Involve?

Effective fire sprinkler servicing involves more than simply looking at the sprinkler heads. A professional inspection should consider the system as a whole, including:

Sprinkler heads and cover plates
System valve sets
Pipes and mechanical components
Water supplies and flow
Alarm system connections
Signs of corrosion, leaks or damage

In some cases, even the sale or change of a building can play a part in the required actions. For example, a building used as a nail salon turning into a takeaway could make the fire sprinkler system appear inadequate, etc.

After each check, a written record and service reports should be maintained following inspections and testing. These will save time when fire safety checks are done by government officials or professionals.

Why Are Regular Fire Sprinkler Inspections Important?

Fire sprinkler systems tend to remain dormant for several years, meaning that hidden issues become difficult to identify without regular inspection. This is a massive issue in the case of a fire, and suddenly your systems malfunction or perform poorly.

Should sprinkler systems not be tested regularly, the following will become difficult to spot:

Corrosion
Damaged components
Leaks

Regular maintenance helps ensure that the equipment is ready to provide protection in the event of a fire.

Are There Other Regular Checks?

Yes, other regular checks may be necessary depending on the system and its design.

For example, wet pipe, dry pipe and pre-action systems can have different inspection and maintenance requirements.

Who Should Service a Fire Sprinkler System?

The basic checks need to be undertaken by a competent person with appropriate knowledge and experience of sprinkler systems.

For the more challenging checks, annual service, maintenance and repairs need to be done by a professional company, such as Armstrong Priestley. That way, the fire sprinkler system inspected can be certified as fit for use.

If any problems are found, then repairs can be completed promptly to ensure your system remains fully operational in case of a fire, in line with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order.

Keep Your Fire Sprinkler System in Good Working Order

The fire sprinkler system plays a major role in keeping your building and people safe, along with alarms and fire safety equipment. If your system fails due to negligence, it could be catastrophic, which is why regular testing and annual service are essential.

At Armstrong Priestley, we are your one-stop company that provides professional fire sprinkler service and maintenance for commercial properties. If you need advice about an existing sprinkler system, its inspection schedule or required repairs, contact Armstrong Priestley to discuss your requirements.

Call the nearest regional office or complete our online form here for the help you need.