Why Is My Fire Sprinkler Leaking? Common Causes and What to Do

Your fire sprinkler system is instrumental in keeping your property and those inside safe in the event of a fire, but it can only do that if it’s working correctly. 

While a leaking fire sprinkler doesn’t necessarily mean that the system is non-functioning, it does indicate that something isn’t quite right, and for that reason, needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Even easily remedied leaks require quick attention due to the capacity to cause water damage to the property.

There can be many reasons for a fire sprinkler to leak. In this post, we’ll run through some of the common culprits, as well as offer guidance on what to do should you discover that your system is dripping water. 

Corrosion

Fire sprinkler system corrosion is a common problem, one that can result in a wide range of issues, including leaks. 

Once corrosion has set in, it can lead to a series of system vulnerabilities that increase the likelihood of water leakage, including causing pinholes, reducing the structural integrity of pipe walls, and weakening joinings. 

Some common signs of fire sprinkler system corrosion include external discolouration (such as rust-coloured hardware), brown water during testing, and low water pressure. 

Freezing Temperatures

Fire sprinkler pipes can be subject to the same freezing-and-cracking cycles as other pipes in a home or facility. When the temperatures drop, the water sitting inside the fire sprinkler can expand, creating enough pressure to cause cracks in the pipes or sprinkler head. 

Note that a fire sprinkler system damaged by freezing temperatures may not leak immediately. In some cases, the ice can cause damage that structurally weakens the system, increasing the risk of leaks at a later time. 

High Water Pressure

Fire sprinkler systems are designed to be high-pressure, but there’s an upper limit to how much they can handle. If the water pressure of the fire sprinkler system exceeds its original design, then the additional strain it places on the components can produce ruptures, resulting in leaks. 

Incorrect Installation

Some fire sprinkler systems are at increased risk of experiencing leakage due to poor installation practices. Watertight fire sprinkler systems depend on each component being fitted correctly. If a technician overtightened fittings, used non-manufacturer-specific tools, or misaligned pipes, then there’ll be vulnerabilities that can produce leaks.

Accidental Damage

Accidental physical damage is a common cause of fire sprinkler leaks, especially in manufacturing or industrial environments. Even minor knocks can cause damage that causes immediate or delayed leaks. 

What To Do About A Fire Sprinkler Head Leak

Fire sprinkler system leaks are common, and they’re also mostly unexpected — most people don’t expect that they’ll face a fire sprinkler leak right up until the moment that they do.

Knowing what to do when you discover a fire sprinkler dripping water, as well as what to do before that happens, is vital for minimising the potential fallout and ensuring that your system doesn’t experience any more downtime than necessary. 

Prevent Leaks In The First Place 

Some fire sprinkler leaks, such as those caused by accidental physical damage, are unavoidable. 

Yet most are preventable. It’s usually only when a facility-owner is assessing what caused a fire sprinkler leak that it becomes clear that it could have been avoided with some proactive maintenance. 

Investing in regular fire sprinkler servicing can help identify, and treat, any issues that could potentially result in a leak further down the line, as well as give full peace of mind that every component of your fire sprinkler system is working exactly as it should be. 

Servicing can go a long way towards preventing all fire sprinkler leaks, but what if you discover an active sprinkler head leak? Here’s what you should do. 

Make Sure The Space Is Fire-Free

Many people have never seen a fire sprinkler system in action. As such, when you see water coming from the system, it’s important to first make sure that the space is fire-free. While a slow drip from the middle section of a pipe may obviously be a leak, a full-flow leak from a fire sprinkler head will be much less obvious to determine.

When in doubt, it’s best to get out. Some fires don’t make themselves as obviously known as some people expect, and it’s best to be safe than sorry.

If there is no fire and you’re sure there’s a leak, then proceed to the following steps. 

Shut Off The Water Supply

Even a minor leak can result in a significant amount of water entering a property. Shutting off the water supply to the fire sprinkler system ensures that no additional water will pass through the system while there’s an active leak.

Note that the supply valve for the fire sprinkler system is not the same as the domestic water mains. Making sure that all stakeholders know of its location and how to turn it off (usually by turning fully clockwise) is a vital safety step.

Reduce Risk of Water Damage

Even relatively minor fire sprinkler system leaks can result in a significant amount of water damage if managed incorrectly. Once the water supply has been turned off, it’s important to take steps to minimise the risk of damage, such as by removing valuables and electronics from the space. It’s recommended to take photos of the affected area before completing this step, for insurance purposes.

Get In Touch With A Fire Sprinkler Expert

It’s not possible to repair a fire sprinkler system yourself. Getting in touch with a fire sprinkler repair expert as soon as possible can help to identify the cause of the leak, and allow for any necessary repairs to take place. 

Contact FSS Today

Dealing with a fire sprinkler system leak at your home or facility? At Fire Sprinkler Servicing, we’re committed to fixing fire sprinkler systems as soon as possible. As well as carrying out expert fire sprinkler repairs, our team of technicians also provide comprehensive maintenance services that help to reduce the risk of fire sprinkler leaks in the first place.