Pipe Protection: Keep Fire Sprinklers Safe in Cold Weather

As freezing temperatures approach, take precautions to protect your water-based fire protection systems (fire sprinkler systems).

Frozen sprinkler pipes can result in costly repairs and excessive property damage. When water freezes, it expands and can crack the pipe or fitting. If a fire protection system freezes, bursts, or fails to function, it can be catastrophic.

Your fire protection company or vendor is best suited to help you prevent such incidents and provide guidance on options and solutions for maintaining a properly working fire sprinkler system over winter. 

Here are some winter weather tips that can help you ensure your fire protection system stays in operational condition throughout the year.

• System Maintenance: Have a professional inspect your sprinkler system(s) before winter to increase durability and dependability.
• Insulate: Insulate all exposed pipes, including those in attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls. Use insulation with the right thermal resistance for your area.
• Add antifreeze: Add antifreeze to the sprinkler system to reduce the chance of freezing or broken pipes. A professional can test the water during an annual inspection to ensure the correct concentration.
• Use heat tracing tape: Apply electrical heating elements along the pipes to maintain a constant temperature. Make sure the heat tracing is listed to meet fire safety standards.
• Keep the thermostat up: Set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit to allow warm air to reach the pipes.
• Use a heated valve room: If you have a dry pipe sprinkler system in your building or in parts of your building, you will need a heated valve room to prevent water from freezing behind the valve.

If you have any questions, contact your local fire department or the Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal’s Office at [email protected].