You don’t want to find out during a fire that your current sprinkler system isn’t functional.
Fire sprinkler systems are a major part of a building’s fire protection framework. Despite their pride of place as one of the basic fire prevention mechanisms, people rarely ever think about them.
In fact, it’s probable that building owners only ever give sprinklers a second thought when there is a leakage, it’s time to schedule a fire inspection or sporadic training drill for employees.
Well, we’re here to remind you of the pivotal role your fire sprinkler systems play and that you should be taking proper care of them.
Without further ado, let’s dive right in and discuss the top tell-tale signs that indicate it might be time for your business to get a new fire sprinkler system.
5 Tell-Tale Signs It’s Time To Invest in a New Fire Sprinkler System
Sign #1 You Don’t Remember When The Last Inspection Was
Make no mistake: If you can’t remember when the last fire inspection took place – there is a problem.
So, how often should your building be getting routine fire sprinkler checks?
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) as often as once every quarter. This means in a year, there should be on average one inspection every three months at the very least.
NFPA codes also stress that maintenance checks should be carried out on a weekly basis. For example, checking control valve positioning and making sure valves are in an ‘open’ position.
If you have no idea when the last inspection was, now is probably a very good time to have a certified fire professional come in and take a look.
Sign #2 The Existing Sprinkler System is Old and Outdated
Do you know how old your fire sprinkler system is? Are you aware of what type of fire sprinkler system you even have? Most business owners don’t know the answers to these questions off the top of their heads.
You see, the reason it’s important to know how old your system is and what type you have, is so that it can be replaced within the recommended timeline.
The life expectancy of an average dry system is 10 to 15 years, while that of a wet system is typically 15 to 25 years. Systems that carry nitrogen may outlast both dry and wet systems.
If your system is already more than 10 years old, it’s time to really consider an update because in this last decade, the fire protection industry has incorporated a wide range of innovative technologies into the newer fire sprinkler models.
If you want access to the latest features, efficiency, and peace of mind, it’s worth the effort of reaching out to a licensed professional to discuss your building fire protection needs.
Sign #3 Your Business Size Has Changed Over The Years
Perhaps you have more employees working in your building than when you first installed the existing fire sprinkler system? More often than not, fire prevention systems are tailored to fit in with the need – i.e. the number of people on the premises who have to be protected.
The more people you have, there is a corresponding need for a fire sprinkler system with a wider reach. So whatever system you currently have must be modified to accommodate the increasing number of people on site.
This doesn’t apply merely to your sprinklers but to the number of fire extinguishers and smoke alarms you have within the building.
Sign #4 Your Current Fire Sprinkler Requires Too Much Maintenance
Are you constantly on the phone scheduling another service call? Are you finding yourself spending a whole lot of money on touch-ups and maintenance?
We’ll be the first to tell you that if you find yourself needing to call in fire inspection teams for service calls – this is as clear a sign as any that it’s time to ditch the problematic fire sprinkler system. It’s costly for you to keep up with such service calls and the recurring maintenance fees.
Whether it’s because of leaks or there is a defect somewhere in the system, this should be a cause for concern on your part. Instead of having to worry about when the next breakdown is going to occur, give yourself the peace of mind you deserve by simply getting the old system replaced.
Sign #5 Your Building Has Been Modified or Upgraded
Has your building been modified or changed in some way, shape or form since the previous inspection? If so then the fire sprinkler systems also need to be changed in order to match the new building’s specs.
This is particularly true if you have knocked down or added new walls; remodeled the space; changed the use of the building and or the number of people now occupying the building has increased.
The fire sprinklers must be inspected to ensure they cover the new building adequately and that the modified design in no way affects the building’s basic fire prevention model and is capable of offering sufficient fire protection.
When else should your fire sprinkler system be fully retested? When a change has been wrought to:
· The backflow
· The water meter
· The public water supply system
Invest in a New Fire Sprinkler System
Fire risk is real and its ramifications can be disastrous and even deadly.
By taking the initiative to install new fire sprinkler systems, you are protecting both your business and your employees – not to mention being compliant with both the National Building Code and National Fire Code.
Get one of our All Protect Systems experts to come in and carry out a comprehensive fire inspection to assess your risk level.
For all your fire alarm systems, fire warning solutions, emergency backup generators, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, exit lighting, fire safety plans and sprinkler systems think All Protect Systems.
Request a free quote today.