Regardless of the nature of your business or the type of building you occupy, proper fire safety measures are essential. You must learn about specific regulations in your region. And if your company’s sprinkler system has seen better days, you should replace it. Here are six signs it might be time to buy and install a new sprinkler system.
Featured image by Eakrin Rasadonyindee
1. You See Rust
When conducting a visual inspection, note any signs of wear and tear. Fire sprinkler leads are largely made of metal. Over time, they will corrode. There’s no preventing that. You must not overlook this issue if it occurs.
If the sprinkler head corrodes, rust can interfere with the equipment’s ability to spray water properly. The last thing you need is a sprinkler system malfunction due to rust.
One thing to know about rust, if you don’t know it already, is that it spreads. Ignoring it isn’t an option. Allowing the problem to fester could lead to leaks that cause costly water damage. You can avoid this by nipping the problem in the bud and replacing your sprinkler system, or at least changing damaged components.
2. You See Physical Damage on the Sprinkler System
If you see physical damage, that’s a telltale sign that you need to do something sooner rather than later. Look for problems such as abrasions, dents, cracks, or other imperfections.
These things don’t just negatively affect the aesthetics. If that were the only issue, it wouldn’t be a big deal. However, physical damage can jeopardize the performance of your company’s sprinkler system. Leaving physically compromised sprinkler heads unfixed is like rolling dice and hoping for a good outcome.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the number of store fires in the US in 2020 was 16,500. The resulting damage added up to a combined $932 million. Considering the high stakes, you can’t afford to cut corners or take the matter of fire safety lightly.
RELATED ARTICLE: HOW OFTEN YOUR FIRE ALARMS SHOULD BE TESTED
3. You See Dripping from Sprinkler Heads
Another sign you need to consider replacing or fixing your water system is if you notice dripping. This is because sprinkler heads should only spray water when they’re activated. Otherwise, they should be bone dry. Any sign of dripping is therefore a good reason to contact a reputable provider of commercial sprinkler systems for the products you need.
4. You See Water Stains
Yet another sign you need to get your sprinkler system looked at is if you notice water stains. So while dripping or leaking are big warning signs, don’t overlook water stains that could appear on the ceiling or wall. This is because water stains could be a telltale sign that the sprinkler head seals are destroyed.
Moreover, once you see water stains, you must act immediately to prevent further damage.
5. You See Paint on the Sprinkler Nozzles
If a contractor is painting in your workplace and some of the paint gets on the sprinkler heads, that could be reason enough to replace the affected sprinkler heads. This is because the paint can easily obstruct the sprinkler heads so that they don’t function efficiently or at all.
As a rule of thumb, only the paint that the manufacturer put on the sprinkler head should be on it. Anything else is a no-no.
RELATED ARTICLE: SAFETY ISSUES FOR BUSINESSES WITH CUSTOMERS IN THE WORKPLACE
6. If a Professional Inspector Tells You That Replacement or Repair Is Necessary
If you get a professional inspection and the inspector tells you that you need to make some changes, that’s reason enough to do the work required. Your company must follow regulations. What’s more, if a professional inspector finds violations, you have to remedy the problem immediately.
Finally, be on the lookout for these signs that it may be time to replace or repair your company’s sprinkler system. Too much is at stake to take the matter lightly.
RELATED ARTICLE: SAFETY MEASURES FOR A CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS