5 Warning Signs Your Fire Sprinkler System Needs Professional Maintenance

Residential fire sprinkler systems are designed for reliability and effectiveness in an emergency. When it comes to fire safety in your property, the last thing you want to have on your mind is the fire sprinkler system malfunctioning in the event of a fire.

Sprinkler systems can quietly develop issues overtime if left unattended. Problems such as leaks, corrosion or low pressure might not be immediately obvious, but they can massively impact system functionality if left unaddressed.

Throughout this blog, we’ll guide you through five important warning signs to look out for that shouldn’t be ignored. By recognising these early indicators and arranging a visit by a competent engineer, you can be confident and ensure your fire sprinkler system remains ready to perform exactly as intended.

1.      Flashing service lights and fault indicators

Most fire sprinkler systems are connected to various types of control panels to manage and monitor functionality, including sprinkler pump control panels, dedicated sprinkler system panels and generic building fire panels. Each of these have a slightly different role but they all communicate important system alerts.

If you notice flashing service lights, fault indicators or other error messages that aren’t normally present, it’s a clear sign your sprinkler system requires professional attention. These alerts may indicate issues like a malfunctioning pump, power supply problems, wiring and alarm faults or that an annual service is due.

Regular maintenance in line with BS 9251 and prompt attention to warnings are important to maintain the reliability of your sprinkler system. A competent engineer will know the cause of these alerts and take action to ensure the system is fully compliant and operational.

2.      Visible water leaks and low system pressure 

If you notice any visible signs of water leakage, such as damp circles around sprinkler heads, leaking pipework or water pooling around the sprinkler pump, it’s a clear sign that your system requires attention. Leaks are commonly caused by corrosion, accidental damage or general wear and tear over time.

Even the slightest leak can greatly affect system functionality by reducing water pressure, which will lead to a lower water flow rate if a head were to activate in an emergency. If multiple sprinkler heads were to activate in the event of a fire, and the pressure is too low, there may not be a strong enough water supply for the sprinklers to suppress the fire effectively.

It’s advisable to regularly check the system pressure by looking at the pressure gauges on the sprinkler valves and pump (If applicable) to see if there are any abnormalities. You will be able to compare the current pressure to the pressure recorded on the latest service. It’s also not uncommon for pressure gauges to freeze up over time, giving inaccurate readings. Annual maintenance is essential to ensure components such as pressure gauges are operating as intended.

3.      Unusual noises and system regularities 

Unusual noises originating from the components of your sprinkler system are often clear indicators that it requires attention. Below are some of the key system irregularities to watch out for:

Noises coming from the sprinkler pump (If applicable)

The pump is the heart of your system and is responsible for delivering a consistent supply of water to an activated fire sprinkler head. If your sprinkler system’s pump is making sounds, such as loud humming, grinding or squealing, it could indicate there is an issue. These noises could be caused by a faulty motor, or other faulty components such as a failing pressure switch. Ignoring these issues can disrupt water flow and pressure and in some cases, a malfunctioning pump could pose a direct fire risk.

Some pumps carrying out a weekly/monthly self-test, if you have concerns over the noise your pump is making it’s best to speak to a professional company.

Water hammer

Abnormal noise coming from pipework such as banging or clanking is commonly the result of ‘water hammer’. This can be caused by several factors, the most common ones being pressure fluctuations and trapped air in the system. Water hammer can stress the pipework and other components and over time cause system leaks and damaged parts all of which can influence system functionality.

Beeping and alert sounds coming from system control/fire panels

As mentioned in point one, flashing fault lights on system control panels often indicate the system requires attention. These flashing lights are often paired with an audible beep to make the responsible person aware of an issue. It’s important to respond to these alerts promptly, as they provide early warning of problems that could escalate into more serious faults/failures.

4.      Visible corrosion and rust on system components

Corrosion is a commonly overlooked issue in fire sprinkler systems, particularly in older buildings, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance. Metal components such as copper pipework, sprinkler heads and electrical wires are prone to rust due to exposure to water and other environmental factors. Corrosion of these components over time can lead to leaks, blockages and reduced water flow,  which will impact system performance in the event of a fire. Early detection of corroded parts can help prevent costly repairs and ensures that your system is fully operational.

5.      Visible discoloration, staining and cracks on CPVC pipe

Most residential fire sprinkler systems are made out of Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) which is known for its easy installation and strong heat resilience. However, over time CPVC pipe can become brittle, crack and weaken if it comes into contact with electrical cables and substances like foam insulation.

Any sign of contamination indicates that the system integrity could be at risk. Regular maintenance is essential to identify these problems early. Additionally, those responsible for the installation should be aware of these risks to ensure that other building services do not interfere with the system’s performance.

To conclude? Fire sprinkler systems only save lives if they work. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs or would like piece of mind that your system will operate as designed, don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss the next steps. An investment in maintenance can make all the difference in preventing costly system failures and ensure your system is ready to respond effectively if there is a fire.

Don’t wait for a fire to find out your sprinkler system wasn’t ready.