Regularly testing and inspections of your fire and life 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
Dry pipe sprinkler systems are charged with pressurized air or nitrogen instead of water until an activation dictates the need for water, but still have dangers when tested in winter months. Regardless of the season, water can still condensate and pool in the pipes and drip drums, causing a higher likelihood of freeze breaks in cold temperatures. This can be prevented by testing during warmer temperatures. Even with testing and inspecting, standard, recurring maintenance of the drip drums and low point drains by building engineers and maintenance also go a long way to ensuring little to no moisture remains in the pipes.
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.
At Integrity Fire, our certified techs have the experience and knowledge to ensure your fire safety systems are inspected, tested, and repaired safely to NFPA code. Every decision made by our technical experts prioritizes what’s best for your building and its residents. Reach out today to experience our industry leading service and care, Because it Matters.
