Minimize financial loss and interruption by winterizing your fire sprinkler system.
To avoid unanticipated costs and downtime during the winter it is important to remember how to mitigate the risk of freezing fire sprinkler pipes, which increases drastically around this season. The expansion of the water upon freezing causes it to push up against the walls of the pipe forcing a possible rupture. The rupture may go unnoticed until the water proceeds to thaw, creating water damage. At this point, the system becomes inadequate and costs begin to incur. To minimize the financial impact created by an inadequate system, business interruption, and repair costs keep the following things in mind:
- Ensure your system is inspected. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires that automatic sprinkler components be inspected annually, semi-annually, quarterly, or monthly in accordance with NFPA 25. More frequent testing may be required depending on the local authority having jurisdiction over the system.
- Antifreeze solutions in systems should be tested to ensure that the solution has not weakened.
- Keep cold air out of the rooms that contain piping.
- Protect areas of buildings where cold air could enter and freeze piping. Examples to consider: broken windows, exposed roof areas, and open doors to the exterior that do not remain shut.
- Air temperatures surrounding piping should be at or above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Geyer Fire works with customers in advance to prepare systems for the winter and uncover any physical deficiencies throughout the facility and system. A call to Geyer Fire places you in immediate contact with a trained professional – who can afford to run through automated machines and wait on a call back during an emergency. At Geyer Fire we react immediately to discuss any issue, will address what to do temporarily to ease any concerns, and dispatch a technician. We enjoy working with our customers to alleviate their concerns and minimize their loss!
