by Dale Grant
Fire sprinkler systems are the unsung heroes of building safety, and like any hard-working system, they need regular checkups to stay in top condition. That’s where the 5th Year Inspection comes in—a more thorough, once-every-five-years inspection that can catch issues you might not see in the annual checkups. Plus, if you’re in Philadelphia, you’ll need to have your 5th Year Inspection done by the end of 2025 to stay compliant with local regulations.
These are the ten most common problems found during a 5th Year Fire Sprinkler inspection and why they happen.
- Corroded Pipes
- What’s behind it: Corrosion sets in when water sits in the pipes for too long, causing rust and eventual deterioration. This is more likely to happen if the system wasn’t properly drained after a previous activation or if moisture lingers in the wrong places.
- Microbial Growth (MIC)
- What’s behind it: Microbial-induced corrosion (MIC) occurs when bacteria start growing inside your pipes. Stagnant water creates the perfect environment for this to happen, and over time, it can eat away at your system from the inside out.
- Obstructed Pipes
- What’s behind it: Debris like rust flakes, sludge, or foreign materials can build up inside the pipes over time. This is especially common if water flow has been weak or if the system wasn’t properly flushed after being triggered.
- Inadequate Water Pressure
- What’s behind it: Low water pressure is often caused by issues with the water supply, partially closed valves, or a faulty backflow preventer. Regular testing should catch this issue, but it’s easy for it to sneak up on you without consistent maintenance.
- Leaky or Damaged Valves
- What’s behind it: Corrosion, wear, or poor installation can cause valves to leak or malfunction. If a valve can’t close or open properly, the system won’t be able to deliver water where it’s needed in an emergency.
- Worn-Out Seals and Gaskets
- What’s behind it: Seals and gaskets don’t last forever. Over time, exposure to heat or regular wear can cause them to deteriorate, leading to leaks or malfunctions in your system when you need it most.
- Sprinkler Heads in the Wrong Place
- What’s behind it: Building layouts change over time, but sometimes sprinkler heads don’t get updated to cover new areas. If walls, furniture, or equipment block them, some areas might not get the protection they need.
- Improperly Pitched Pipe
- What’s behind it: Pipes that aren’t pitched correctly can trap water, which may lead to issues like corrosion or microbial growth. Proper pitching ensures that water flows effectively through the system.
- Clogged Sprinkler Heads
- What’s behind it: Over time, sprinkler heads can get clogged with debris or mineral deposits. This can reduce their effectiveness and impede their ability to deliver water when needed.
- Standpipe PRVs Set to Wrong Pressures
- What’s behind it: Pressure reducing valves (PRVs) in standpipes must be set to the correct pressure to ensure proper function. Incorrect settings can lead to inadequate water flow or pressure during an emergency.
If you’re in Philadelphia, keep in mind that 5th Year Inspections are due by the end of 2025. Don’t wait until the last minute and risk uncovering a laundry list of issues. Staying proactive with regular maintenance and routine inspections will keep your system running smoothly and in compliance. Prevention is always better (and cheaper) than a big surprise later on!
Contact Oliver Fire Protection & Security to schedule your 5th Year Inspection today.