Wet Systems
Permanently filled with water, and ready to respond immediately when heat from a fire activates the sprinkle.
Dry Systems
Filled with pressurized air or nitrogen. Water enters the system only when a fire trips the sprinkler and opens the valve.
Pre-Action Systems
Combines the benefits of dry and wet systems to reduce false alarms in sensitive environments.
Deluge Systems
Designed for high-hazard occupancies where water is discharged from open sprinklers or nozzles simultaneously.
Quarterly Inspection & Routine Testing
Comprehensive Annual Inspection & Physical Audit
5-Year Heavy Maintenance & Internal Obstruction Testing
1. System Basics & How Sprinklers Work
No. Contrary to movie tropes, fire sprinklers do not all activate at once. Each sprinkler head is individually triggered by heat (typically between 135°F and 165°F). In roughly 90% of fires, only one or two sprinkler heads are needed to control or extinguish the blaze.
Wet Pipe Systems: The most common type. Pipes are constantly filled with pressurized water for immediate discharge when a head opens.
Dry Pipe Systems: Pipes contain pressurized air or nitrogen instead of water. Water enters the pipe only after a head activates. These are used in unheated areas (like parking garages or loading docks) to prevent freezing.
Pre-Action Systems: Require a two-step activation (e.g., a heat/smoke detector must trip and a sprinkler head must open) before water flows. Ideal for sensitive environments like data centers, museums, and laboratories.
2. Inspections, Testing & Compliance
According to NFPA 25 (the standard for inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems) and local fire codes:
Quarterly: Visual checks of control valves, water pressure gauges, and flow switches.
Annually: Complete physical inspection of all heads, piping, hangers, main drain tests, and alarm devices.
5-Year Test: Internal pipe inspection for obstruction, backflow preventer testing, and hydrostatic testing.
Minimal disruption occurs during testing. Main drain tests and alarm flow tests take only a few minutes. We coordinate with your team in advance to schedule alarm sounding during off-peak hours or bypass local monitoring during testing.
We provide a detailed digital report highlighting non-compliant items, categorized by severity (Deficiency vs. Impairment). We will outline the corrective actions needed and provide an upfront quote for repairs to restore full compliance immediately.
3. Maintenance, Repairs & Troubleshooting
Locate your Main Control Valve and shut off the water supply to the sprinkler system.
Contact our 24/7 emergency dispatch line immediately.
Do not attempt to thaw frozen pipes with open flames or torches.
False water-flow alarms are usually caused by municipal water pressure surges, air trapped in wet pipe systems, or faulty flow switches. Our technicians can install surge retarders or bleed trapped air to prevent false alarms.
Never paint sprinkler heads. Paint can seal the thermal bulb or cover the deflector, preventing the head from activating during a fire. Painted heads must be replaced per NFPA guidelines.
4. Service Plans & Emergency Support
Yes. Fire system impairments cannot wait. We maintain an on-call team of certified fire protection technicians available 24/7/365 for emergency leak repairs, system resets, and main valve shut-offs.
A maintenance agreement ensures:
Automated scheduling so you never miss a required NFPA compliance deadline.
Priority emergency response times.
Discounted rates on service calls and replacement parts.
Digital documentation stored securely for your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) or insurance audits.
