FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why do I need a Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Contract?
Why do I need a Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Contract?
Inspection, testing and Maintenance (ITM) requirements are established by your local Authorities having Jurisdiction (AHJ's) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). NFPA25 is the current standard for Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of water-based fire protection systems. It requires an in-depth visual Inspection quarterly in addition to annual testing. These testing requirements vary depending on the type of system you have. For this reason, we provide Free Quotes to determine the appropriate testing procedures and an accurate quote tailored for you. Regular inspections and testing must be performed to comply with your local AHJ's code requirements, avoid violations, and most importantly, to ensure the safety of your building and the people inside of it.
What is NFPA25?
What is NFPA25?
NFPA25 is the national standard for inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems. NFPA25 went into effect January 1, 2012 and includes several tests and inspections that building owners must perform on a regular basis to ensure the safety and reliability of your Fire Sprinkler System.
Will I receive a report?
Will I receive a report?
Of course ! There will always be a copy of your sprinkler report left in your fire sprinkler riser room affixed to the Sprinkler Riser in a plastic protective sleeve. A copy must be left on the premise at all times, as required by NFPA25. If you’ve misplaced or cannot locate your report, we’d be happy to send you a copy by request.
What types of buildings do you service?
What types of buildings do you service?
We can service any building no matter the size or type. We are perfect for; Commercial Buildings , Warehouses, Churches, Dormitories, Sports Complexes, Hospitals, Hotels, Industrial Buildings, Military and Municipal Facilities, Nursing and Independent Living Facilities, Real Estate Property Managers, Restaurants, Retail Stores, and more!
What are the rules for maintaining Fire Sprinkler heads?
What are the rules for maintaining Fire Sprinkler heads?
To keep it simple, keep your fire sprinkler heads clean to avoid code compliance issues. A Fire Marshal can write you up for having dirty sprinklers— as it’s one of the most common compliance issues. The reason for this is simple: fire sprinklers operate based on heat, and a buildup of anything that could insulate them against those high temperatures, can stop or delay activation.
If a Fire Sprinkler is painted or significantly corroded, it must be replaced. The NFPA 25 (2020) has clear language prohibiting “loaded” fire sprinklers. NFPA 25 (5.2.1.1.1) says that you have to replace a fire sprinkler head if it:
- Leaks
- Has significant corrosion on any functional part (like the deflector)
- Is physically damaged
- Has lost fluid in the glass bulb
- Is loaded (e.g., dirty) in a way that would inhibit performance
- Gets post-manufacturer paint on it
Keep your sprinkler heads as close to new as possible—no damage, no significant corrosion, no massive dirt or dust, and definitely no new paint. Otherwise, you’ll have to replace it. And it pays to avoid replacing sprinkler heads.
What is the difference between a 'Wet' and a 'Dry' Sprinkler System?
What is the difference between a 'Wet' and a 'Dry' Sprinkler System?
In a wet system, the pipes are filled with pressurized water at all times. When a fire occurs, the system immediately discharges water to extinguish the fire. A dry system has no water in the branch lines but when a dry sprinkler system is activated by a fire, the pressure in the pipes drops, a valve opens, and water flows through the pipes and out to extinguish the fire. This is typically in seconds.
What is the difference between a 'Deficiency' and an 'Impairment' to my System?
What is the difference between a 'Deficiency' and an 'Impairment' to my System?
In 2011, NFPA 25 expanded its definition of a system problem to include two new levels along with impairments: critical deficiency and non-critical deficiency. NFPA was looking to provide clearer guidance to Inspectors and AHJs about the severity of system violations and subsequent corrective actions that are needed.
NFPA25 makes it clear that every deficiency needs to be fixed in a timely manner, NFPA25 also recognizes that every issue isn’t an emergency. Since less-serious problems don’t stop systems from providing a reasonable degree of protection, NFPA agrees it’s not practical to treat every system issue the same. Noncritical and Critical deficiencies should not have to involve impairment procedures such as fire watches, building evacuation, or standby fire protection.
The 2017 edition of NFPA 25 prioritizes corrective actions in the following ways;
Noncritical Deficiencies don’t impact system performance but must be corrected to meet NFPA standards within a reasonable amount of time. (3.7.2). They might include missing signs or an inadequate number of spare sprinklers.
Critical deficiencies, perhaps painted sprinklers or inaccessible fire hydrants—can have a “material impact” on system performance and should be corrected as soon possible (3.7.1). In other words, the deficiency does not prevent a system from functioning properly right now, but—if not corrected, it could lead to an impairment. For instance, a pipe that is showing some corrosion will still function during a fire, but if the condition is allowed to get worse, an impairment will result.
Impairments are the most serious issues, meaning that all or part of the system is out of order and won’t function properly until it’s repaired (3.3.21). These are the highest priority and must be addressed immediately.