It's often said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and at no time is this more true than when it comes to the operation of your fire sprinkler system. Discovering that your system is inoperable after a fire has already broken out can be a real tragedy, and you should be proactive in making sure you never have to suffer through that.

Below, you'll find a guide to some suggestions for inspecting your fire system. By following these suggestions, you can be sure that you'll notice any problems before they become serious, and you'll take steps to ensure that you can guarantee the protection of both your property and the people who surround it.

Test The Flow

The most basic task your fire suppression system needs to achieve is the delivery of the fire retardant material. This can be impeded by blockages that can occur through rust or other corrosion, environmental particle buildups, or even damage caused by pests.

If you have a wet sprinkler system, it likely comes equipped with a test connection. You should be sure to check this connection and make sure the sprinkler heads activate quickly. Similarly, dry fire suppression systems have a bypass connection that will allow for a quick and safe application of suppressant material that will allow you to visually verify full system operation.

Check For Corrosion

Even if your plumbing is in great shape, the sprinkler heads themselves may be at risk of corroding. If your sprinkler system is in an environment that isn't conducive to the health of metal, you may not realize that this corrosion has caused a blockage until it's too late.

You should be sure to regularly check each of your sprinkler heads for signs of rust and other damage. You should also consider a regular rotation of ordering new heads, as doing so is the best way to guarantee that you have a system that always works to its greatest potential.

Monitor The Valves

It's easy for small changes to be made in your fire suppression system that may be difficult to notice. The valves that control the flow of water and suppression material may be bumped or twisted slightly, and in doing so, the full protection of your system may be shut off. Always be sure to check the status of your valves, and consider attaching bright tags to them that will clearly mark their location and allow you to avoid any potential accidents.