Winterizing Your Fire Protection Equipment

Cold weather brings the risk of frozen pipes in equipment that contains or uses water or that produces condensation. Frozen or damaged fire protection systems can result in extensive property and equipment damage due to burst pipes, or worse, fire losses due to impaired detection systems.

Follow these simple steps to protect vulnerable fire safety equipment. If you have questions or need assistance do not hesitate to contact us.

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Fire Sprinkler Systems

• If your building is equipped with a dry pipe sprinkler system ensure all low points are drained prior to the onset of freezing weather.
• If your building is equipped with a wet pipe system ensure the temperature in all areas of the building/structure are maintained at or above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Ensure the antifreeze solution in antifreeze systems is properly mixed to protect against the lowest expected temperature in your region.
• When conducting a preventive inspection pay particular attention to exposed, often overlooked areas such as attics, garages, closets, etc. Search for isolated drafts or cold air leaks where there are sprinkler pipes.
• When necessary replace windows or doors and instruct staff to keep them closed tightly.
• Enclose or insulate pipes containing water that will be exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Should you experience freeze damage, contact your local fire department and insurance company immediately to determine necessary fire watch procedures until a fire protection contractor can make the necessary repairs. If a burst pipe is causing additional damage locate the isolation valve for that area and shut it off until repairs are made.

AFPS offers free training and familiarization of sprinkler systems year-round to our customers. Training is custom tailored to YOUR PROPERTY. Our service team is available 24/7 for emergencies, contact us ASAP if you discover freeze damage.

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Backflow Preventers

Reduce the risk of freeze damage like pictured here by:

• Cracking a test cock to maintain a steady trickle of water during freeze conditions.
• Insulating the entire backflow preventer assembly. Enclosures are available that help prevent freezing as well as vandalism.
• Allow us to install a freeze protection valve. Call for sizing and pricing.

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Schedule Your AFPS Winterization Service

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you need assistance preparing for the winter weather we are here to help! Our certified and trained technicians will inspect your facility to identify and remedy areas of vulnerability.

**NOTE**
Most dry sprinkler system piping contains trace amounts of water. Our technicians will inspect your piping for proper pitch to identify possible areas of trapped water that may be vulnerable to freezing. Pitch inspection is not included in a standard annual inspection. This is above and beyond the scope of NFPA 25.