Fire Sprinkler Servicing vs. Testing: What's the Difference and Why Both Matter

Fire sprinkler systems are one of the most effective forms of fire protection available in the modern market. They are specifically designed to detect and suppress fires quickly, ensuring that lives are protected, there is minimal damage to properties, and there is the minimal amount of disruption to homes and commercial buildings.

Where people often go wrong though is that they believe simply installing a fire sprinkler system is enough. It isn’t. Like any other piece of essential safety equipment, it must be maintained properly and regularly to ensure that it will perform as intended when required. As such, fire sprinkler servicing and testing come to the forefront.

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two different aspects of maintaining a fire sprinkler system properly. As such, understanding the difference between servicing and testing helps property owners protect their properties, ensure that the building is safe, and remain compliant. 

What Is Fire Sprinkler Servicing?

Fire sprinkler servicing refers to the ongoing inspection, maintenance, and upkeep of a sprinkler system. The goal of servicing is to identify issues such as wear and tear, find potential faults, and make sure that all of the components remain in good, working condition.

During a servicing visit, a qualified engineer will inspect the key parts of your system. This could be a number of things depending on what system you have, but usually this includes:

• Pipework

• Fire pumps

• Water storage tanks

• Alarm devices

• Sprinkler heads

• Control valves

• System components

The qualified engineer will check for any and all signs of corrosion, leaks, blockages, damage, and other issues that could impact the performance of the system overall. Any defects that have been identified are then able to be repaired so that they do not develop into a larger issue.

It helps to think of servicing as preventative maintenance - with the goal being keeping the system operating as intended and reliably through its lifetime through keeping it in good condition.

What Is Fire Sprinkler Testing?

Fire sprinkler testing on the other hand, focuses on verifying that the specific parts of the sprinkler system are functioning correctly under the conditions in which they will need to operate. 

Instead of looking at wear and tear or other maintenance issues, testing means that procedures are being carried out to demonstrate the systems abilities. This is done to check that the system is able to perform its intended role should there be a fire.

There are different types of testing, depending on the type of system that you have installed:

• Pressure testing

• Flow testing

• Alarm testing

• Valve operation testing

• Monitoring equipment checks

• Water supply testing

These tests help property owners to know that the system will activate correctly in the event of a fire, work with the connected alarms, and ensure that the water supply is sufficient to suppress a fire. 

The simplest way to look at it is this - fire sprinkler testing looks at whether the system will work when needed. 

Why Property Owners Need Both

It’s common for property owners to believe that servicing alone is enough to maintain a fire sprinkler system, but this is not true. The reality of the situation is that servicing and testing work together to ensure complete protection for the building.

A system may appear to be in excellent condition during the visual inspection, but without testing it, there is no guarantee that everything is working properly. You don’t know that the pressure levels are right, that it’s working with the alarm, that the water flow rate is good, and more, which puts the building in danger if there is an emergency.

In the same kind of vein, a system may be able to pass a test well, but still have components that are showing signs of deterioration. This could lead to future failures if left, and that’s why servicing is also important.

The combination of the two services allows property owners to have faith in their sprinkler system, knowing that it’s not just functioning right now, but it’s in good condition meaning that it will continue to function well in the future. 

Potential Risks Of Neglecting Servicing

Neglecting to service your fire sprinkler system can throw up a whole load of issues. With so many issues impacting sprinkler components, failure to inspect them regularly may mean problems go unnoticed until they compromise performance. 

It’s important to note that even minor issues can easily become expensive to resolve and dangerous if they are allowed to progress. Some of the most common issues that tend to be discovered during service checks are as follows:

• Corroded pipework

• Leaking valves

• Faulty gauges

• Obstructed nozzles

• Damaged sprinkler heads

Potential Risks Of Neglecting Testing

A fire sprinkler system that has not been tested may have hidden faults that are impossible to detect without testing the system. The problem is if you’re not testing regularly, the issues may only be noticed when the system is needed to protect the building, and by this point it is simply too late to do anything to fix it. The consequences here can be severe, and it’s just not a risk worth taking.

How Often Should Fire Sprinkler Systems Be Serviced And Tested?

The frequency of servicing and testing will depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to the property’s usage, regulatory and insurance requirements, and the type of system that is installed. 

A lot of systems require regular inspections through the year, and a proper testing schedule needs to be set based on an individual property. 

Due to this, the best thing that you can do is work with an experienced fire sprinkler maintenance company that offers both fire sprinkler testing, and fire sprinkler servicing.

They will be able to recommend a maintenance program for your property, helping you to protect your investment and keep the building, as well as everyone in it, safe. 

If you are interested in working with qualified experts that are able to provide both servicing and testing, get in touch with us today.