Top 5 Myths About Home Fire Sprinkler Systems Debunked

Fire sprinkler systems are one of the most effective ways you can protect your home from a fire. With that said, many homeowners still have misconceptions about how they work and how they should ideally be maintained. 

A lot of people also put the focus on installing them, with regular servicing often being overlooked. If you want to make sure that you are not making this mistake, then check out these top 5 myths regarding home fire sprinkler systems, debunked.

Myth One: Sprinklers Don’t Need Servicing

Quite possibly one of the biggest myths regarding home fire sprinkler systems is that they don’t need servicing. 

While fire sprinkler systems are designed to be durable, and they are certainly low maintenance, they are not just something that you can install and then forget about. Just like your boiler and your smoke alarm, you need to make sure that you are inspecting them on a regular basis so you can make sure that it is all working as intended. 

A typical maintenance routine may well involve you carrying out monthly valve inspections, and you may also have to carry out occasional flow and pump tests. Alongside this, you will need to have an annual service done. 

Without checks like this, you may find that hidden issues, such as closed valves or faulty alarms, go unnoticed. 

The truth is that a sprinkler system may be built to last for a very long time, even decades. With that said, if you don’t get it serviced, it won’t offer you the protection you need at all.

Myth Two: You Will Always Know if it’s Not Working

A lot of homeowners assume that if someone shut off the water supply to their system, or if it got turned off accidentally, then they would know about it. Fortunately, this is rarely the case. Regular checks are so important as they can not only tell you that your valves are open, but they can also keep them locked in place. 

This means you can reduce the chances of a fire breaking out when your system doesn’t have any water supply at all. It might be a simple check at the end of the day, but it is still vital to making sure that your system is safe. 

Fire protection services can do this for you, to make sure that your home fire sprinkler system is always working as it should be.

Myth Three: If It Looks Fine, It is Fine

Fire sprinklers are often at ceiling level, which means you might not always see a problem if there is one. You may not see corrosion forming inside the pipe, and you might not see dust collecting around the sprinkler head. 

During servicing, engineers will look out for hidden issues like this, so they do not have a chance to compromise the safety of your home. Dust and even cobwebs can delay the activation of your sprinkler systems, as they can insulate the element. 

Corrosion can also cause blockages or it can reduce your water pressure. If the alarm doesn’t trigger when the system activates, occupants may well lose out on the time they could be using to escape. 

Myth Four: Servicing Is Expensive

Another big myth is that servicing can be very expensive. It’s not expensive when you break it down; it’s more affordable than dealing with a major repair, replacement, or even a house fire down the line. 

If you catch small problems early, then you can stop them from escalating, which is imperative for your safety and that of your home.

Myth Five: It Doesn’t Matter if I Paint my Sprinkler

This is another dangerous assumption. If you paint around your sprinkler head or if you wallpaper around them, then this can affect how quickly they are able to respond to a fire. Even a thin layer of paint can delay the activation of the sensor, and if you hang objects near the sprinkler, then this can affect the spray pattern. 

If you intend to carry out DIY projects, be sure to protect the sprinkler so you can ensure fast and effective control at all times.

Ultimately, home sprinkler systems protect lives, but this is only the case if they are being properly maintained. 

The myths around them, regardless of whether it is cost, reliability, or even the need for servicing, all lure homeowners into a false sense of security. 

Annual servicing will keep your sprinklers in good condition, while showing that you take your safety seriously.