Maintaining Your Buildings Sprinkler System

6/18/2020 (Permalink)

Most people expect sprinkler systems to work as expected, but malfunctioning sprinklers can cause water damage to your business. Without proper sprinkler maintenance, sprinklers can go off unexpectedly and damage assets such as carpets, drywall and important documents. Even worse, unmaintained sprinkler heads may not work properly if there is an actual fire in the building. If you own a business in Ascension Parish, it is important to protect yourself by performing some routine safety checks.

Cleanliness Is Key

Keep the fire sprinklers and the area around them clean and neat. Fire sprinkler heads should be cleaned periodically with a mild degreaser solution. This is especially important in areas where grease builds up, such as kitchens. The area around the sprinkler heads should be kept clutter-free so that nothing is in the way of the path of the water. There are several common items that could be blocking the flow of water and should be checked to ensure proper sprinkler maintenance:

• Tall plants
• Unattended ladders
• Tall storage cabinets
• Tall bookshelves
  
  

Inspections Are Necessary

You should have a professional perform an inspection at least once per year, more often in certain situations. They will check control valves and water pressure to make sure everything is in the on position and that there is enough pressure for the water to reach all the designated areas. They will also check the system for leaks or corrosion and make sure everything is properly calibrated. It should be noted that if you have manual control valves, you should check these weekly to make sure they are in the open position. Regular inspections can save your business from lost revenue and restoration bills.
A lack of sprinkler maintenance can be a costly mistake if damage occurs. You should check your systems often and have them regularly inspected by a professional. If you end up with water damage from fire sprinklers, you may need the help of a professional restoration service.