Here’s a question for anyone who owns a commercial building: What is one of the most important components in your building? Answer: Your commercial building’s fire sprinkler system. Hopefully, in your lifetime, you’ll never have to deal with a fire emergency. However, to keep your building’s inventory and occupants safe, its fire protection system must be monitored and updated. In fact, it’s the law.

Even if your building is relatively old, chances are, it came with some type of fire prevention/fire extinguishing system already installed. But nothing lasts forever. Corrosion, leaks, outdated technology, and more occur the longer the system is in place.

So, the question for a commercial building owner is: How do you know when it’s time to replace fire sprinkler systems in businesses? Here are some signs that replacement is imminent.

Corrosion

Though some systems are more at risk than are other types of systems, eventually, water corrodes. Some systems are full of oxygen while some continually hold water. Regardless, the corrosive effects take their toll over time. The system can eventually fail due to problems caused by pressurized water. Your sprinkler system obviously has a problem if you notice any of the following:

  • A rotten egg smell
  • Discolored water from the pipes
  • Rust

Visible Damage to Pipes or Heads

If the system is visibly damaged, you will need replacement/repair services. Absolutely call for a professional inspection/repair if, in any way, the pipes or sprinkler heads are defunct, skewed, or dented. This kind of thing can happen for a number of reasons including plain old wear-and-tear, vandalism, construction process-related damage, and more.

Leaks

You’ve got a problem if there is a sign of indoor leakage (from your system). Mold growth can potentially be caused by a building’s corroding structure if water damage occurs. This can present health issues of a serious nature. It’s even more problematic if your fire sprinkler system is leaking. If you can, determine the leak’s location and call in the professionals for advice/repair/replacement.

Replacement or Repair?

The decision may not always be clear-cut, but if you can’t figure out whether to replace or repair your system, consult a professional. Consider the following:

  • The Type of System: Rather than the whole system, you may only need to replace a part of it depending on the extent of the damage, and whether the system is dry or wet.
  • Your Service History: In the last few years, how often have the fire sprinklers required repair? It may cost more than it’s worth if you have to service your system more frequently. Consider your budget.
  • Fire Sprinkler System Age: It is not uncommon to get 20 years out of a typical fire sprinkler system. That said, you may need to replace the sprinkler heads, more times than not. It could be time for an entire replacement if the system is outdated, constantly needs repair, if you doubt its dependability, etc.

Is It Time to Replace the Fire Sprinkler System at Your Business?

For all your fire sprinkler system replacement/maintenance needs, work with ASCO Fire. Our numerous engineering services can help your business be in compliance with all applicable fire code requirements. Any number of our clients book our assistance for fire sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, engineering services, maintenance/testing/inspection services, fire alarm systems, fire pumps, and more.

Some of the areas we cover are as follows:

  • Sussex County
  • Bergen County
  • Passaic County
  • Morris County
  • Monmouth County
  • Middlesex County
  • Hudson County
  • Mercer County
  • Essex County
  • Somerset County
  • Warren County
  • Union County

Contact us today by calling 973-633-7300 or by emailing us to find out more.