Fire Sprinkler Testing & Servicing, Done Right First Time

A fire sprinkler system is easy to forget about when all is going well. The reason behind this is because if you’re not noticing it, then that means everything is okay, right? Your system is sitting nicely in the background, ready to go whenever it’s needed, so there really isn’t anything to worry about. 

There’s a problem with this though and that’s the fact that a fire sprinkler system can develop faults without making them immediately obvious. There may be no obvious alarm, no warning light, and no clear indication that something isn’t working as it should. 

This is why regular fire sprinkler testing and servicing matters. It gives property owners and managers an opportunity to identify potential issues before an emergency ends up putting the system to the test.

Of course, one of the first questions that people tend to ask is how much this is going to cost, and it’s understandable that this is a concern. 

Fire safety is an important responsibility when you own a building, but you still need to work with a budget. But, there is no single price for fire sprinkler testing, and that can be frustrating.

A number of factors are going to impact the cost of the rest and service, which means that the best thing to do is start with an assessment and then get a clear quote. 

Why Testing Should Come Before Problems Appear

A fire sprinkler system is only useful if it works when it needs to. Waiting until there is an obvious problem is not always a good strategy when it comes to maintaining the system. There are certain faults that may go unnoticed until they are needed to perform in an emergency, or until an inspection or a test reveals them.

Issues such as leaks, corrosion, pressure problems, and damaged components all require attention asap. But, did you know that changes to the property could impact an existing sprinkler system?

A lot of people don’t, but a recent refurbishment for example may have altered the layout of a room, or impacted access to parts of the system. It’s easy to assume that everything is the same, but that’s not always the case. 

Regular testing is an opportunity to review the system and look for any issues that may have otherwise been missed. If you have noticed a visible problem, then the best thing that you can do is arrange professional advice sooner rather than later, as it could be the difference between a well functioning system and a dud.

Fire Sprinkler Testing And Servicing: Is There A Difference?

These two terms are often used in place of the other, but they are not actually the same thing. Testing is about checking aspects of the sprinkler system to determine whether it’s working as it should be. Depending on the system, and the work that is being carried out, this might mean inspecting certain components, and assessing various elements. 

Servicing is more broad, and it can include things like maintenance, attention to issues that have been found, and routine inspections. 

But, both are important in keeping a fire sprinkler system properly maintained. It’s true though that the exact requirements will depend on the type of system, and the property involved.

Residential systems can have different considerations from commercial ones, which is why it’s necessary to use a service that has expertise for your type or building. 

Fire Sprinkler Servicing Ltd offers dedicated residential sprinkler testing and commercial sprinkler testing services, allowing property owners and managers to arrange testing suited to the system that they have. 

How Much Does Fire Sprinkler Testing And Servicing Cost?

As we’ve pointed out, this is one of the most common questions, and it’s understandable why. The cost of fire sprinkler testing and servicing can vary a lot, so where a small residential property with a simple system will have certain requirements, these will be different from large commercial buildings. 

Factors that may impact the cost include:

• The type of property

• The size and complexity of the sprinkler system 

• The type of testing needed

• Whether faults or repairs are found

• The number of components that need inspecting

• The condition of the installation

And more. For this reason, it’s hard to give an accurate price without inspecting the system first. It’s important to know though that the cheapest quote does not always mean the best value. Sometimes this just means you’re going to be facing surprise costs later down the line. 

If you are currently budgeting for your system, you may also find our guide to fire sprinkler servicing costs useful. 

The Cost Of Putting Off Testing

It’s understandable that people would want to delay non-urgent testing to cut costs, especially when it seems like there is nothing wrong.

But, fire sprinkler testing is not something that should be viewed as an unnecessary expense just because the system looks to be functioning normally. 

The whole point of regular inspections and testing is to check for any issues before they become more serious. A minor problem found in time might be easy to address when found early, but if left unnoticed, it could develop and lead to more extensive repairs. 

Of course, there is a more obvious concern here also - a sprinkler system needs to be capable of performing its role during an emergency. If you’re not regularly checking your system, how would you know that this is the case?

Don’t Wait Until Something Goes Wrong

A well looked after fire sprinkler system should not need your attention all of the time. It’s because of this that so many people find it easy to postpone these tests.

But, a system that is sitting quietly in the background still needs professional attention every now and then.

If you are not sure when your system was last tested, you’ve noticed an issue, or you just want a more clear understanding of the process, now is a good time to start thinking about this. 

Fire Sprinkler Servicing Ltd can help discuss your property, system, and testing requirements with you before recommending what you do next.