7 Warning Signs Your Fire Sprinkler System Needs Servicing (Before It Fails You)

Many businesses and organisations assume their fire sprinkler systems work perfectly. It's easy to see why, since they sit silently behind walls and ceilings and are often mechanically simple. Even so, sprinkler systems don't usually announce their problems. When they occur, most don't have warning lights or error codes, so it can be difficult to know when they need servicing.

Of course, it's only natural to worry about the cost of maintenance. Many organisations consider the financial aspect of fire sprinkler servicing before committing to a regular schedule and how it might impact their facilities management expenses. 

But, generally speaking, pricing is reasonable, so it's worth exploring it. With local fire sprinkler system servicing companies in your area, calling them for a quote is quick and easy, and it tells you where you stand.

So with that out of the way, what are the warning signs your fire sprinkler system needs servicing before it fails you?

1. Corrosion issues

Corrosion issues are one of the most conspicuous signs that you have a problem with your fire sprinkler system. Visible corrosion on the surfaces of fire sprinkler elements is rare, but if they output brown water during fire sprinkler testing, it usually means that you have a rust issue internally.

Unfortunately, corrosion and rust aren't cosmetic problems for fire sprinkler systems. They can actually affect how they function. Sometimes corrosion can produce sufficient debris to block the sprinkler head at just the wrong moment, so it doesn't issue water when it's needed.

Furthermore, corrosion thins pipe walls and can lead to a drop in water pressure and even leaks that cause water to deploy in areas it's not needed.

2. Pressure gauge issues

Pressure gauge issues are another common sign that your fire sprinkler system needs servicing before it lets you down. Usually, pressure gauges will creep down slowly if there is a small leak or a valve is no longer sealing in the system. It can also indicate an upset in the supply line, and a problem with water getting from your water tank to other areas in the sprinkler system.

If a gauge hasn't moved much in two years, though, it could just be faulty or old and needs replacing. A gauge that's stuck in one position often needs servicing in its own right.

3. Damp patches and staining

Damp spots and staining are also a sign that you may have a problem with your fire sprinkler system. Most units run behind walls, under floors, and above ceilings, so you may see damp creeping through in these areas and nowhere else.

Also, check for small pools of water near valve sets or drips near heads or fittings. Usually, these issues are an indication that something is happening inside the pipe. It's worth noting that most professionals recommend against simply tightening a head to quickly fix a leak. If a head needs tightening to prevent leakages, it often needs professional repair or replacement.

4. Painted heads

Painted heads are another common issue that can indicate that your sprinkler system needs servicing. These aren't the fault of the installers or even maintenance staff, but usually the painters and decorators working on your property. 

You might not think so, but painted heads are a common problem in a lot of commercial and industrial buildings. Painters and decorators will sometimes paint over them, not understanding that this can impede their functionality.

Sprinkler heads can also become damaged or blocked through other means. For example, they might be knocked by ladders or forklift trucks, or they can become caked in dust in production environments. 

In some cases, heads can even be hidden behind ductwork or a suspended ceiling that went in after they were installed. Of course, all these situations are dangerous because covering them renders them essentially non-functional.

Also check how heads are being used in your specific premises or property. For example, if you run university accommodation, you may find student accommodation fire sprinkler heads being used as coat hangers or hooks. Sometimes the occupants of your buildings can impede functionality.

5. Routine testing fails

Failed routine testing of your sprinkler system again indicates that you may have a problem on your hands. Pay particularly close attention if the pump does not start on demand. If it fires up and then sounds like it's labouring, or the alarm doesn't sound, then it can indicate an issue deeper within the system.

You may fail a routine test if valves that are supposed to turn freely are stuck, or if signals sent by the fire sprinkler system don't reach your monitoring centre. Because of this, it's worth discussing your particular fire sprinkler system with an expert who understands how different types of equipment operate and in which settings.

6. Logbook gap issues

You might not think it, but logbook gap issues are another warning sign that your sprinkler system needs servicing. BS 9251:2021 demands that organisations keep servicing records on site and that they should always be available to relevant parties. The penalties for being unable to provide evidence of when the system was last checked can be severe, and it can also affect insurance premiums. 

Missing paperwork often goes hand in hand with missing maintenance. If you haven't been updating your logbook, it usually means that professional servicing hasn't been carried out, and many of the issues discussed above have been allowed to fester.

7. The building has changed

Finally, your fire sprinkler system might need service if the building has changed, but the sprinkler system itself has not. Sprinklers are often, by definition, integrated parts of the building. A change in one section of your structure will have a knock-on effect on the utilities in another. 

Even regular additions can have an effect on your sprinkler system by demanding more water. New floors or offices mean the sprinkler system has to distribute water further.

Don't wait for your sprinkler system to tell you it needs servicing

Our advice is, of course, to avoid waiting until your sprinkler system tells you it needs servicing. The best approach is to schedule regular maintenance so you can keep your logbook up to date and meet BS 9251:2021 standards.