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Maintaining Your Fire Sprinklers During Winter

Jan 21, 2025
Frozen Pipe

Why is Winterizing Important?

While winter is in full swing, it’s not too late to winterize your fire sprinkler systems. Fire sprinkler systems become increasingly vulnerable to freezing with cold or even fluctuating temperatures. Not only does this make fire protection systems less effective and responsive, but it also increases the risk of severe water damage as a result of bursting pipes.

Winterizing fire sprinkler systems is a critical service for your fire sprinkler system. It reduces the chance of issues associated with damage to piping caused by freezing. Without checking your system, cold weather can cause your fire protection system to cease to function – or worse, burst!

Summit Fire & Security suggests the inspection and test of all wet, dry, and antifreeze sprinkler systems before the onset of cold weather, or as soon as possible. Even with active cold weather, it’s not too late to winterize. It’s better to winterize rather than risk it, even if winter weather has already kicked in.

What should I check for my dry, wet, and antifreeze systems?

  • Verify FDC is not full of water and ball drips are working properly
  • Check water storage tank heaters for proper operation where present
  • Determine if heat tracing is intact and operating properly – including monitoring systems for heat trace systems
  • Visually inspect the integrity of any pipe insulation where provided
  • Visually inspect any wet pipe in attic areas to determine if required insulation is in place, or if the insulation has been disturbed
  • Remember that 40 degrees Fahrenheit is the minimum temperature allowed on any wet portion of a sprinkler system

What should I check for my dry pipe and pre-action systems?

  • Check all dry pipe and pre-action systems to ensure they are not flooded
  • Drain all low point drains – pay special attention to areas outside the building such as the pump room
  • Verify & record location of all drains
  • Verify proper operation, function and settings for the air compressor or alternate air supply
  • Drain condensation from air compressor tank
  • Check valve rooms, pump rooms, stair enclosures and areas with exposed piping for the following:
    • Heaters are working properly
    • Dampers are closed
    • No unprotected openings are present

Antifreeze Systems

  • Many wet sprinkler systems prevent pipes from freezing by adding an antifreeze solution to the system. Consult your technician if your sprinkler system is one that can use an antifreeze solution.
  • A skilled technician will test samples from your fire sprinkler system to make sure the water in your pipes has the correct concentration of antifreeze. Too much antifreeze can damage your pipes, and too little won’t be effective. In other words, this concentration is important and prevents the freezing and bursting of pipes. If you chose to deal with the anti-freeze systems, reference (NFPA 25, Section 5.3.3) for additional information.

When should I inspect my fire sprinkler system?

It is important to visually inspect your fire sprinkler system before the onset of cold weather and periodically throughout the winter. Better yet, keep an eye on your sprinkler system year round to minimize issues. After winterizing your system, routinely inspect for leaks, corrosion, or anything that appears out of the ordinary with your system. This helps minimize repair calls and helps for a smooth routine inspection with your technician.

Tip: Set an alarm or calendar reminder on your mobile device or computer to visually inspect your system.

Do I need to winterize my system if I live in a warmer region?

Summit Fire & Security advises checking your fire sprinkler system before winter arrives, even if your location has mild winters. Winter is unpredictable and unexpected weather can come at any time.

Buildings in warmer climates, in fact, are often more vulnerable to freezing because insulating measures are neglected and overlooked. It can be difficult to properly prepare for the onset of cold weather and determine whether or not your system is ready without giving it a thorough inspection. Even one abnormally cold day can result in damage to your fire sprinkler system.

Can I call Summit Fire & Security for just winterization services?

Your fire sprinkler system should be inspected at least once a year by a trained professional. Summit Fire & Security will perform routine maintenance on your fire sprinkler system pipes from freezing during an annual inspection. Summit Fire & Security provide winterization services as a standalone service call or as a part of an annual and/or quarterly inspection services agreement.

Winterization is recommended before the onset of cold weather. It may be performed by the customer (owner) or by Summit Fire & Security Technicians or Inspectors. NFPA 25 establishes the responsibility for fire sprinkler system inspection, testing and maintenance as the owner’s responsibility.

Contact Summit Fire & Security today to have a highly qualified fire sprinkler system technician inspect and test the sprinkler at your facility.

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