Fire Sprinkler Systems Winterisation
Sprinkler systems are ideal safety precautions in all types of buildings. From residential flats and care homes to commercial warehouses and educational institutions. There are a variety of benefits that these systems can bring to a property, including saving lives and property damage.
However, as the months start to get colder, it is important to ensure the fire sprinkler system has been winterised and no issues occur. Find out here about how to winterise your sprinkler systems and how RAD Fire Sprinklers can help.
What is Winterisation?
So that your sprinkler system does not break, due to water in the pipes freezing, winterisation is a process used before the cold weather arrives. This includes shutting and draining the sprinkler system, bleeding and blowing our low points of air and restoring the system.
Keep Up Regular Maintenance
In residential systems, homeowners have the ability to carry out regular checks throughout areas. In homes, typically areas such as the garage, loft conversions and conservatories may experience low temperatures during the winter months. So, it’s important to ensure that the pipes have not frozen over.
The best way to keep fire sprinkler systems from freezing is regular maintenance throughout their installation. RAD Fire Sprinklers offer a regular system testing service so that we are sure all the systems are working efficiently. Find out more about our services here.
Dry Sprinkler Systems
In places that will more than likely have freezing conditions, a dry pipe fire sprinkler system can be beneficial during the winter months. Dry sprinkler systems should undergo routine inspections, just as all other fire protection systems. Any standing water that could potentially freeze needs to be closely monitored.
Condensation and water draining from the fire sprinkler system are the primary sources of this extra water. The consequences of water freezing within a system are frequently expensive, including damage to the pipes and the risk flooding of nearby properties.
Wet Pipe Systems
The majority of wet pipe systems are installed in locations where temperatures are unlikely to drop below 10° C. Winter heating in offices and commercial structures keep those pipes warm and secure. For buildings with wet fire sprinkler systems, it’s crucial to ensure the heating system is functioning properly and that the piping is exposed to warm temperatures throughout.
One way to ensure the wet pipe elements do not freeze during the colder months is using antifreeze. However, too much can affect the pipes. Make sure you consult a professional fire sprinkler installer company beforehand for their expertise.
Check the Pitch and Angle of the Pipes
Your fire sprinkler system specialist will verify that the pitch or angle of the pipes is directing any moisture towards the low-point drains during routine maintenance, especially in the colder months. By doing this, you can make sure that no water gets trapped in the system, where it can freeze and expand and cause harm.
As aforementioned, following your regular maintenance plan is the best method to prevent residential systems from freezing this winter.
Your fire sprinkler system specialist is fully aware of how to reduce the likelihood that your fire sprinkler system will freeze in cold weather. Even in the winter, if your system is well-maintained, issues are unlikely to arise.
RAD Fire Sprinklers
Here at RAD Fire Sprinklers, we promote the installation of residential fire sprinklers throughout the entirety of England and Ireland. There are a variety of benefits to the installation of sprinkler systems in both residential and commercial buildings.
For more information, or to receive a quote, fill in our form. Or, give us a call on 01892 680 090.
