The NFPA requires an internal inspection of piping every five years or when conditions indicate the need for it. Occasionally, an obstruction investigation may also be required to ensure that piping, valves and other components don’t become obstructed to the point where they might leak or fail under pressure.
Sprinkler systems unavoidably leak and corrode over time. Learn when to repair or replace your system, and when to consider a nitrogen-based system instead.
Because rust requires water and oxygen in order to form, a sprinkler system can create a perfect growing environment for rust. Over time, rust builds up in a sprinkler system and the piping begins to corrode from the inside out. Corrosion will also create debris that can clog the pipe and sprinkler heads. Preventative maintenance is key.
Even with proper inspection, testing, and maintenance, a fire system can demand emergency service. When you call Ryan Fireprotection with an emergency situation, you will be immediately directed to a live person to discuss the situation at hand.
There have been many misconceptions over the years as to what causes corrosion in a fire sprinkler system. There are three main misconceptions: bad water, bad pipes, or microbiologically-induced corrosion (MIC).
Corrosion is a common cause of fire sprinkler system malfunction or failure. When oxygen is present in the piping of a system, it reacts with water and the metal of the piping, which creates solids that corrode. Many people believe that corrosion is caused primarily by microbiologically-influenced corrosion (MIC), but that is not the primary cause.
When oxygen interacts with water and metal inside a fire sprinkler system, it causes corrosion, which can lead to expensive repairs and a malfunctioning sprinkler system. In order to resolve this problem and prevent corrosion, oxygen must be removed.
Corrosion in a sprinkler system can be a building owner’s worst nightmare, especially if it is not properly addressed. Read on to dispel five myths about corrosion.