Winterize Your Fire Sprinkler System
Cold weather brings the risk of frozen pipes in equipment that contains or uses water or that produces condensation. Frozen or damaged fire protection systems can result in extensive property and equipment damage due to burst pipes, or worse, fire losses due to impaired detection systems.
Throughout the year water vapor builds up inside the sprinkler piping, this vapor condenses and collects on the walls of the pipes. The system’s piping is designed to drain to various low drain points through the building. This water collects at the low points and will freeze if the water drops below 0*C. When water freezes, it expands with enough force to split sprinkler pipes.
Buildings that are located in mild climates may have even greater vulnerability in the event of a cold front since precautionary measures are more likely to have been overlooked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why should I have my fire sprinkler system winterized?
A: Although dry systems may be filled with air, that doesn’t stop water vapor from condensing and building up along the piping. Over time, this water will collect and pool at low points in the system, making the pipes extremely vulnerable to cracking or bursting when the cold weather sets in. To make sure that doesn’t happen, your dry sprinkler system requires an annual winterization service which will purge this residual water from the pipes.
Q: Will winterizing my sprinkler system put it out of use?
A: No. Winterizing your system ensures that it will not be the victim of burst pipes, but it does not shut down the system for the winter.
Q: Can I winterize the system myself?
A: Yes, but the process is complex, so if you’re not familiar with fire sprinkler systems, you should have a professional (like ETP Service) perform the work. Mistakes made by doing it yourself can cost more than you would have paid having a professional winterize the system.
Q: When should I have, winterization done?
A: The ideal time to winterize is before the weather gets really cold, so generally in the fall or early winter.
Servicing Vancouver and Lower Mainland
Includes 5 low points
Additional low points $5.00
