Many major cities, including New York City, have complicated histories with fires. These devastating events, in some instances, harmed many individuals and burned down significant amounts of existing buildings. These days, the DEP and other government agencies require that all residents live in buildings equipped to prevent large fires from becoming a major issue. To ensure your building is safe and compliant with city requirements, here are a few signs that your fire sprinkler system needs replacement or repair services.
Rust
Unfortunately, rust is a common issue for any system supplied by a water main – water is corrosive and deteriorates the structural integrity of your fire sprinklers. Additionally, trapped oxygen within the pipes can expedite the corrosion process. Add in the presence of pressurized water and your rust pipes could risk total failure in functionality. Along with rust, you might notice a sulfur-esque egg smell emanating from your system or discolored water leaking from the pipes.
Leaking
In some cases, leaky pipes might only require a fire sprinkler system repair service to remedy the issue. However, indoor leaks often lead to significant problems for your entire building. Most prominently, leaked water promotes the growth of mold, putting the well-being of each resident in danger. Furthermore, this water might also impact the condition of essential building structures. Massive leaks are a sign of pipe ruptures–this will require a complete replacement of your fire sprinkler system.
Head or Pipe Damage
Head and pipe damage typically occurs during the installation period, as the manipulation of these components puts them at a higher chance of dropping, denting, or cracking. However, normal degradation and/or tampering can also disfigure parts of your fire sprinkler system. With sprinkler head damage, you can resolve this problem with repair services. If your pipes are significantly defunct, this will require more extreme measures, potentially including a total replacement.
By understanding when your fire sprinkler system needs replacement, you can save yourself thousands of dollars on expensive projects and meet the strict requirements of the DEP. When problems do arise, you can count on the expertise of our main water contractors here at Harris Main and Water.
