Low Water Pressure in Your Sprinkler System: Causes, Risks and Fixes

You expect your fire sprinkler system to provide a valuable line of defence in the event of a real fire, but it can only do that if it can distribute enough water to the affected area,  and it can only do that if the system’s water pressure is at a high enough level. Ultimately, if the water pressure is too low, then the system just won't have enough water or power to cover as big a surface area as it was intended to cover. 

Even more alarmingly, many are unaware that their fire sprinkler system even has low water pressure. Many only come to light during servicing, or, even worse, right at the moment when the system is supposed to do its job.

The good news is that, while dealing with a sprinkler system's low pressure is concerning, it’s also preventable. In this post, we’ll run through the primary causes of fire sprinkler water pressure problems, the risks of leaving them untreated, and what to do about them. 

What Causes Fire Sprinkler Water Pressure Problems?

There’s no single cause of fire sprinkler water pressure problems. Even seemingly fine-working fire sprinkler systems can have water pressure issues that are undetectable without in-depth investigation, which is one of the primary reasons why regular fire sprinkler system servicing is so important.

Here are some of the most common issues that can result in reduced water pressure.

Leaky Pipes

Correct water pressure within a fire sprinkler system is dependent on the system being watertight. Once there’s a leak, especially within the pipes, the system’s structural integrity has been compromised. That leads to less water being pushed at less force.

Even small leaks can have an impact on water pressure, which is why it’s important to know the signs of sprinkler system leaks. Visible water dripping, water stains around pipe casings, or sprinkler system rust can all indicate a leak. 

Sprinkler Head Debris

Debris is common around sprinkler heads, especially among older systems that use a hard water supply, which can have a big buildup of mineral deposits, sediment, or rust. Heads that have been painted over are also particularly at risk. 

All of those materials contribute to causing an obstruction that impacts how much water can pass through the sprinkler head, and at what speed. While an in-depth check will be required to determine the extent of sprinkler head debris, you can check by looking for visible signs of sediment buildup around the sprinkler head. 

Incorrect Initial Installation

In some instances, fire sprinkler systems fail to deliver the right amount of water pressure because of incorrect initial installation. Fire sprinkler systems have to be accurately designed to meet the needs of the space, and that doesn’t always happen. 

Partial Valve Close

The right amount of water can’t be delivered if the fire sprinkler system’s water valve is partially closed. Even valves that appear to be fully open may be partially closed if the handle has become disconnected from the unit. 

The Risk of an Untreated Fire Sprinkler System Low-Pressure

Having inadequate water pressure in a fire sprinkler system poses significant health, financial, and legal risks, which is why it’s important to make sure that your system’s water pressure is at the right level at all times. 

Ineffective Fire Protection

The most obvious risk posed by low sprinkler system water pressure is that the system won’t have enough water or power to work effectively in the event of a real fire. Fire sprinkler systems are designed with a specific water pressure in mind. If the system can’t provide that, then it can’t fight fire as it’s supposed to.

There Can Be Legal Consequences

Businesses are legally required to ensure that their fire safety equipment is in full working condition. If the sprinkler system has low water pressure, then that’s not the case, and the business may be subject to fines, prosecution, or even closure. 

It Can Invalidate Insurance 

In the event of a fire, insurance companies may reject insurance claims if it’s determined that the fire sprinkler system had insufficient water pressure. 

How to Fix Fire Sprinkler Water Pressure Problems

As we said above, fire sprinkler water pressure problems are common — and they can also be highly dangerous if untreated.

The good news is that there is a wide range of ways to solve fire sprinkler water pressure problems, from quick fixes to getting in touch with a professional. Whatever level of problem you’re dealing with, one of the following solutions will help. 

Check Valves Are Fully Open

Making sure that the valve is fully open is the easiest fix. Sometimes, valves are not fully opened when they’ve been closed for maintenance. Even valves that are only marginally closed can have a noticeable reduction in water pressure. 

Clean Sprinkler Heads

Sprinkler heads can accumulate debris and sediment over time, especially older ones that have a hard water supply. Removing any debris that may be impacting the sprinkler head’s capacity to distribute water can make a difference to the system’s water pressure.

Note that, due to the complexity of fire sprinkler systems, it’s not possible to DIY clean sprinkler heads. The work must be carried out by a certified technician. 

Check For Leaks

Even minor leaks can impact the structural integrity of a water sprinkler system enough to cause a drop in its water pressure. While some leaks are obvious enough to warrant immediate attention, others, such as the pinhead leaks caused by rust, can be easy to miss. Checking for leaks across all areas of the pipework can help you identify signs of leakage.

Get In Touch With Fire Sprinkler Servicing Today

The best way to ensure your fire sprinkler system’s water pressure is at full capacity is to make an appointment with fire sprinkler servicing experts. 

Here at FSS, our team of fire sprinkler technicians is available for emergency repair work and scheduled maintenance. If your water pressure issues can’t be resolved by quick fixes, such as ensuring the valve is fully opened, then don’t hesitate to make an appointment.