5 Fire Safety Systems To Test In Summer

Testing & Inspecting Fire Safety Systems

Regularly testing and inspections of your fire safety systems keeps your building and the people inside protected. Several types of systems require warmer temperatures to keep your devices – and wallet – safe. Many fire safety systems require water to extinguish and suppress fires, but water and freezing temperatures in winter months don’t mix.

Testing and inspecting these temperature-sensitive systems/devices from May through September helps prevent expensive freeze breaks and other problems that could arise later in colder months.

Backflows

Fire backflow preventers are crucial components in fire protection systems, designed to prevent the contamination of the public water supply. Any inspection, testing, repair, and installation of a backflow requires running water, so it’s best for the safety and integrity of your building’s sprinkler system to run these well above freezing temperatures.

While fire backflows are our expertise, we’re also trained and licensed to inspect and repair both domestic and irrigation backflows in addition to the fire backflows if needed.

Fire Sprinklers

Annual fire sprinkler inspections are paramount to the safety of your building and its occupants. During inspections, we look for any damage, wear and tear, or obstructions that may impede the system’s effectiveness. If any repairs need to be made and water needs to be flowed/pumped, summer’s high temperatures are ideal for minimizing risk.

Pre-action and deluge sprinkler system testing and repairs are also best suited for warm summer months.

Dry Valves

It’s important to note that, especially in Colorado— condensation can form inside your dry system pipes, especially during extended cold weather. Over time, this moisture collects and can pool in low points or drip drums.

If left unchecked, this buildup increases the risk of freeze breaks and damage during winter months. That’s why it’s smart to test dry systems during warmer temperatures — giving technicians a safer window to flow water and check for hidden moisture.

Regular maintenance of drip drums and low-point drains by building engineers can help ensure your system is dry, reliable, and ready.

Fire Pumps

Fire pumps deliver high-pressure water to the sprinkler system in the event of a fire, typically in larger and high-rise buildings. Performance tests should be regularly performed, and since moving water is essential for these tests, it’s safest for your building to perform them during summer.

Private Fire Hydrants

While not very common, it’s possible that your property has its own private fire hydrant. Since these are found outdoors, tests need to be performed in warm temperatures to prevent any ice harming the hydrant.