How regular fire sprinkler inspections can prevent costly repairs

When it comes to saving lives, not many systems are as effective or as reliable as having a well-maintained sprinkler system. Dedicated to activating in just a matter of seconds, they can control and even put out fires before they spread. 

To this day, they remain one of the best ways for you to protect your home in the event of a fire. With that said, just like any mechanical system, you have to make sure that you adopt a reliable maintenance schedule. 

Regular inspections aren’t just about ticking boxes. They’re about making sure that your system can activate in the event of an emergency, something you need to keep in mind if you can.

Spotting Issues

Fire sprinkler systems operate under a constant level of pressure. From the pipework to the valves and heads, everything has to work together in order to ensure that there are no issues. 

Over time, natural wear and tear can occur as well. Pipes can corrode, valves can stiffen, and seals can also deteriorate. Small leaks can also develop, but go unnoticed. If you get an inspection done, then a trained engineer can easily identify issues like this. 

A valve that is sluggish today might not open tomorrow, and if you leave it, then you may have to deal with a full replacement at a later date.  This can result in an expensive repair that could have easily been avoided.

Ensuring Compliance with UK Standards

In the UK, fire sprinkler systems have to meet BS 9251:2021 standards. You have to get regular inspections done, as this is the only way for you to demonstrate that your system is compliant. 

If you do not keep inspection records up to date, then this can create a huge risk. This is the case from a financial and a legal perspective as well. 

For landlords, you may end up dealing with fires, invalidated insurance, and even liability in the event of a fire. Routine inspections not only keep you compliant, but they can also provide written reports that help to prove that your system is in good condition.

Protecting your System

Even if you know that your system is functioning, hidden inefficiencies can build up over time. Sediment can clog your pipework, and you may also find that low water pressure is a bit of an issue, too. 

Blocked sprinkler heads can also affect how efficiently your system is able to operate. A professional inspection is the best way for you to check each element. You can use flow tests, and you can use alarm devices to try and make sure that your system is running the best it can at all times. 

If you have an underperforming system, then it may activate, but it won’t contain the fire, which is just as dangerous. 

Saving Money

The biggest and main advantage of having a routine home fire sprinkler system check done is that you can prevent costly repairs. 

Replacing a small valve might not cost you that much money, but if you have to replace the whole system because of damaged pipework, then this can set you back significantly. 

Emergency call-outs, water damage from undetected leaks, and even full system downtime can also affect you significantly. Regular inspections can cost a fraction of expenses like this, showing how cost-effective they are for homeowners, landlords, and even business owners.

Giving you Peace of Mind

The real value of having fire protection services assess your sprinkler system isn’t all about the financial gain of not having to pay for the repair. It’s about safety, too. 

Residents, tenants, and employees all rely on systems like this to protect them in the event of a fire. 

Knowing that your system has been inspected by an engineer is one of the best ways for you to know that if the worst does happen, you are going to have protection for when you need it the most.

A qualified engineer will start by checking your valves, pipework, and alarms. They will also confirm water flow and that the pressure level is correct. 

They will assess your sprinkler heads for damage while confirming their findings with you. Things like this give you peace of mind, which again, is so important if you want to make sure that your sprinkler system is doing its job and working as it should be. 

Want to find out more? Talk with one of our engineers today, and we will do everything we can to help you out.