Is Your Fire Sprinkler System Ready For Winter

Winterizing your fire sprinkler system is critical to keeping it operating effectively. Cold weather will be here before you know it and we want to remind you of some Building Owner requirements of NFPA-25, 2011 edition for Dry-Pipe and Antifreeze Fire Sprinkler Systems:

• Draining of all low point drains (drum drips)*Note: draining all low point drains is required every year, however, extra care should be taken to drain all low point drains following full flood testing of dry-pipe systems.
  
• Examination of priming water levels in dry-pipe valves.
• Verification of adequate heat for the dry pipe valve enclosure and all areas containing water-filled piping (minimum of 40º F).
• Checking of strength of anti-freeze solutions.
• Air compressor(s) and air compressor tank(s) are to be maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
• Inspection of any heat tracing equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

Failure to adhere to these NFPA 25 requirements could increase the possibility of inadvertently flooding the system with water and/or system freeze-ups, cracked fittings, and water damage. This not only causes expenses for repair and costly “down time” to your operations, but also severely impairs the effectiveness of your system, thereby putting both the occupants and contents at risk. The local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) may require a fire watch till the system is placed back into proper working order.

Interested in more tips to help your winterization efforts? Check out our Quick Start Winterization Guide to help protect your facilities throughout the winter.