Prevent Freezing Fire Suppression Systems

January 11, 2024

Extreme cold temperatures are headed your way; now is the time to take steps to prevent freezing pipes and negative impacts on your fire suppression system.

 

The last time a deep freeze occurred was in 2022, and businesses spent thousands of dollars repairing their fire suppression systems. Ensuring your systems receive regular maintenance and taking the steps below will help to prevent damaged pipes.

  • Ensure any exterior vents, including roof vents, are closed.
  • Keep wet fire suppression systems maintained.
  • Annual inspections by a sprinkler system technician should include testing samples from your system to ensure proper antifreeze levels.
  • Keep dry fire suppression systems maintained.
    • Drain the condensate line with low points in the dry system to prevent freezing.

 

While prevention is critical, having a plan to respond to any leaking pipes after a freeze is just as important. As temperatures rise above freezing, ensure staff are onsite to identify leaks. Staff should know where water shutoff valves are located to prevent further damage in the event of a leak.

 

If you incur any damage, you may report a claim online or on your smartphone by logging into your Member Portal and clicking “Report a Claim.” You may also call 800.247.5930 ext. 4000 and provide your policy number and current contact information.

 

FIRE SPRINKLER FREEZE PROTECTION RESOURCES

Are you looking to winterize a fire sprinkler system or need to learn about emergency repairs? The NFSA has compiled the resources below:

How to Winterize a Fire Sprinkler System (nfsa.org)
The Cold Reminder about Sprinkler Systems – National Fire Sprinkler Association (nfsa.org)
Emergency Repairs? What Do I Do? February 24, 2021 (nfsa.org)
Fire Sprinkler Insulation White Paper, April 2020 (nfsa.org)