Fire sprinkler systems can and do fail due to freezing. Both commercial buildings and residential homes can experience this failure. Homes constructed after 1999 or that have had an addition added after 1999, are likely to have residential fire sprinkler systems.
To prevent fire sprinkler systems from freezing the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires that the piping for the sprinkler system be installed where the ambient temperature will not be lower than 40 degrees. If this temperature cannot be maintained then a glycerin solution (anti-freeze) is added to the sprinkler system. Fire sprinkler systems that are labeled or tagged “Anti-Freeze” do require periodic inspection by a residential sprinkler contractor to verify that the dilution ratio of the glycerin is correct and to prevent the exposed piping from freezing. A complete list of residential fire sprinkler contractors can be obtained from the Upper Dublin Township Fire Marshal.
NFPA also recommends monthly maintenance inspections of residential fire sprinklers by the homeowner:
- Conduct a visual inspection of all sprinklers to ensure against obstruction of a sprinkler head. There should at least 18” of clearance below and around a sprinkler head.
- Inspect the main valve to ensure that it is open.
- Inspect the control valves to ensure that they are open.
- Test the flow switch and alarm bell.
- The alarm should activate between 10 and 45 seconds.
- If your system is connected to a security alarm monitoring company the security company must be contacted before the test is conducted.
Additional information on Residential Fire Sprinklers can be found at the Home Fire Sprinklers website.
