Fire sprinkler systems can add tremendous value to your home or commercial property. But knowing what type of sprinkler system you have is essential in maintenance.

One aspect of maintaining sprinkler systems is fire sprinkler system freeze prevention. Unfortunately, when temperatures drop below freezing, fire sprinkler pipes can freeze and cause many problems. But there are some easy ways to avoid this and prevent your sprinkler system from freezing.

Do I Need to Worry About My Fire Sprinkler System Freezing?

There are two primary fire sprinkler systems – dry pipe and wet pipe systems. Individuals with dry pipe systems commonly think they don’t have to worry about freeze-ups.

The reality is that even dry pipe systems can freeze because they have moisture in the compressed air within the pipes. If this water accumulates, freezing weather can cause expensive damage to the system.

The most common problem with wet pipe sprinkler systems is inadequately heated or insulated sections of sprinkler pipe. Without proper weatherization precautions, the entire line can freeze. This is why it is recommended that people install whole house heating systems in their homes that can provide adequate heat to the sprinkles pipes and can prevent them from freezing. People can contact a home heating service provider (like these heating services in AZ) in their locality who can install such systems in their homes.

Also, since freezing water expands, it can cause the sprinkler pipes to crack. This type of damage can be costly.

Moreover, damaged sprinkler systems cannot protect your property. Instead of a sprinkler system putting out a fire quickly, it may burn your entire property, leaving you with a total loss.

These reasons illustrate why it is vital to prevent fire sprinkler system freeze-ups, no matter what system you have.

Preventing Freeze-ups for Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems

Despite their name, dry pipe sprinkler systems do not remain completely dry. Water and condensation can build up in the system and accumulate in low point drains. Since there is always humidity in the air, you must assume condensation in the pipes.

To protect a dry pipe system, empty low point drains before winter. Otherwise, frozen condensation can plug the sprinkler’s valves. This would prevent water from entering the pipes if a fire were to break out. It only takes minutes and can prevent costly damages.

It is also essential to check that the dry pipe’s compressor is functional. If it isn’t working correctly and the pressure decreases, it may trip the vales and allow water into the system.

You will also want to regularly check the pressure in your pipes during cold weather and perform a visual inspection of the system. There must be sufficient pressure to keep the valve cold.

If you want to take extra precautions, you can also insulate spots that are more likely to be exposed to freezing temperatures. These small actions can ensure your dry pipe sprinkler system works if it needs to and prevent unnecessary and costly damage.

Preventing Wet Pipe Sprinkler Freezing

Wet pipe fire sprinkler system freeze prevention looks different from dry pipe systems. Wet pipe systems are constantly full of water, so they are especially susceptible to freezing during cold weather. Preventing freeze-up requires several measures, including:

• Use a heating system to maintain a temperature of at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is just above the freezing point for water. Moreover, you may need sufficient fuel to run the heating system for a long time. It is a good idea to order fuel in advance from a supplier like Kelly Propane and Fuel, LLC.
• Add insulation to pipes as an additional freeze protection measure. Insulation protects the pipe from direct exposure to freezing temperatures and can prevent frozen pipes.
• Regularly check fire sprinkler systems. This activity should include a visual inspection of all components in the system, including the sprinkler heads.

These actions are essential in ensuring your wet pipe sprinkler system doesn’t experience a freeze-up. However, additional best practices can also reduce the risk of a freeze-up.

Best Practices in Preventing Fire Sprinkler System Freeze-Ups

The following actions can help reduce the potential for damage from frozen sprinkler pipes and other system components:

• Educate employees so that they know to keep an eye on the systems. All employees should also report any problem experienced or suspected during freezing temperatures.
• Check your fire sprinkler system more frequently during cold weather.
• If damage or problems are suspected, contact a professional. Attempting to do it yourself may result in more damage. Instead, mitigation should be done using trained and knowledgeable professionals to ensure it meets all safety standards.
• If the pipes appear to be frozen, do not expose them to any open flames or torches in an attempt to thaw them. This practice is unsafe and can result in additional damage.
• Heating systems for the facility should be permanent and regularly maintained with the help of professionals similar to companies that provide Furnace maintenance in Manassas and other nearby areas. Temporary heating systems, including salamanders and fuel-burning heaters, are not recommended. These portable heating systems can pose fire and health hazards.
• Do not store fuel or flammable liquids in areas not designed for hazardous storage. This practice can introduce additional fire risks.
• Have your fire sprinkler system inspected quarterly. In addition, these systems should also be serviced regularly by fire system professionals. During the servicing, the person can demonstrate that all valves are operational.
• Protect other ancillary fire safety equipment and fire pumps protected from freezing weather. Fire pumps are essential for providing the water pressure you need during a fire. Freeze-ups in the pump can jeopardize your entire system.

You can prevent a freeze-up by draining the test header before cold weather. It is also good practice to keep the temperature in the pump room above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a diesel pump, you will want to keep the temperature at or above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

• If cold weather brings snow, ensure it is removed from fire hydrants, post indicator valves, and fire department pumper connections.

These tips and best practices are essential in protecting your fire sprinkler system from freezing. Taking proactive safety measures will ensure that your fire sprinkler systems are functional, which can prevent damage during a fire.

In addition, keeping these systems functional during cold weather prevents your business from property losses and endangers any individuals in the building. These tips also prevent direct damage from freezing fire protection systems, which can also be costly.