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Winterizing Your Fire Sprinkler System: What You Need To Know


Fire sprinkler system in winter in parking garage

Here in Vermont, winters are long and frigid, making it imperative for local business owners to prepare their fire sprinkler systems and ensure they can withstand the freezing conditions. Proper winterization is essential for your fire sprinkler system so your building can remain protected and costly damages can be avoided.

In this blog post, the fire safety experts at Firetech Sprinkler Corp. will explain why winterizing your fire sprinkler system is critical, outlining key steps to take and tips to follow for ongoing winter maintenance.

Why Winterization Is Important for Fire Sprinkler Systems

Failure to winterize your fire sprinkler system can have serious implications for your building. Water left in low-point drains or dry system piping during freezing conditions can solidify, expand, and lead to pipe bursts. Not only does this result in costly repairs, but it can also place your building at risk of fire since the damaged sprinkler system may not be able to function properly during an emergency. Additionally, leaking pipes can cause water damage, leading to further expenses and operational disruptions for your business.

Steps To Winterize Your Vermont Fire Sprinkler System

To properly winterize your fire sprinkler system, it’s important to follow the steps below before the colder months hit:

  • Schedule a professional inspection: A licensed technician can identify and correct potential problems in your system to ensure all components function properly before winter settles.
  • Drain water from low-point drains: Remove any water left in your low-point drains to prevent freezing and bursting so you can ensure your system is adequately protected from potential damage.
  • Keep your rooms warm: To prevent freezing in wet system piping, keep all areas with sprinkler pipes above 40 degrees F.
  • Check your antifreeze levels: If your fire sprinkler system contains antifreeze, ensure the levels are topped off and the solution is still effective for preventing freezing.

Ongoing Winter Maintenance Tips

Along with winterizing your fire sprinkler system, performing routine maintenance throughout the season is essential. Here are some additional winter maintenance tips to follow to keep your system in optimal working condition:

  • Perform visual inspections: Regularly check for any signs of leaks, condensation, or ice buildup around sprinkler pipes. Addressing small issues early can prevent larger problems down the road.
  • Drain low points: If your system has low points prone to water accumulation, be sure to drain them regularly to prevent freezing.
  • Monitor building temperatures: Ensure the heating system in areas with wet system fire sprinklers is functioning properly and that temperatures consistently remain above 40 degrees F at all times.

Hiring Professionals for Winterization in Vermont

Winterizing your fire sprinkler system can be a complex undertaking, and it’s a job best left to experienced professionals. Hiring a licensed fire sprinkler maintenance company in Vermont, like Firetech Sprinkler Corp., can help your system remain properly inspected, winterized, and maintained through even the coldest Green Mountain winters. With our expertise, you can have peace of mind knowing your business is protected from potential fire hazards and costly water damage.

Get ready to winterize your fire sprinkler system by contacting our team to book your fire sprinkler maintenance appointment today.