Fire sprinkler systems are meant to save lives and protect property. They are on guard 24/7, 365 days a year. That is certainly a comfort to those who live in private homes and tower blocks equipped with these systems.
A proper maintenance program is required to ensure that these systems are available if and when needed. Issues can include system leaks, restricted water flow and blocked sprinkler heads.
Fortunately, these problems may be avoided by selecting the correct materials for the system prior to installation and performing regular maintenance as prescribed.
Carbon steel and CPVC are the most common sprinkler system materials. CPVC is the newer of the two but has proven over the last 30 years its reliability. It has been in use around the world helping private homeowners, registered social landlords and tower block owners avoid two of the biggest problems a steel system presents: corrosion and scale.
Water can cause metal pipe to corrode if it falls above or below 6.5 pH (acidic, too soft). It can lead to scaling issues if the pH exceeds 8.5.
Corrosion occurs as charged ions within the water attract ions from the metal surface of a pipe’s inner diameter. That can lead to the metal surface being eaten away, potentially causing pieces to come loose and migrate within the system.
Scale occurs when minerals build up on the pipe’s inner diameter. As minerals leach out of the water and attach to the pipe, its opening constricts. That limits water flow and increases pressure loss.
Either issue could affect flow, weaken the pipes or fittings, cause pressure loss and lead to leaks. Corrosion or scale deposits that come loose can settle in sprinkler head outlets, also leading to a loss in pressure and flow.
Both of these issues that are inherent with steel-based systems may be treated with expensive chemicals. Corrosion may also be treated with the addition of a nitrogen generator. There are added costs to the system owner as well – the time and labour required to perform chemical maintenance and/or install and maintain a nitrogen generation system.
All of that is avoidable in the planning stage.
CPVC pipe and fittings resist scale and corrosion for up to 50 years of service life, even in areas where water pH balances fluctuate.
There is no avoiding the fact that any mechanical system must have a regular maintenance program.
We are fortunate in the UK to have access to best practices for maintenance as prescribed by the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association:
Installers/contractors and owners should work together to ensure that a maintenance program is designed specific to each property and followed rigorously. Once the “annual” portion of such a program is successfully carried out, tower block owners and registered social landlords should take the opportunity to communicate to residents that the fire sprinkler system has in fact been checked and serviced. It is a great way to reassure residents and provide peace of mind.
To learn more about how CPVC systems can reduce maintenance costs, download the BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems CPVC vs. Steel Cost Savings Report.