What is a 5-Year Internal Piping Condition and Obstruction Inspection?

June 13, 2018

The 5-Year fire sprinkler inspection is an NFPA mandated inspection examining the insides of your fire sprinklers’ piping. The examination must be carried out a minimum of every 5 years.

  • Its Purpose: the purpose of the inspection is to ensure there are no blockages in the piping that would hinder the effectiveness and free flow of water through the piping when needed in the event of a fire.
  • What it Entails: the inspection will first include an initial assessment. The initial assessment will include opening the flushing connection at one of the main ends and removing a sprinkler tower from one end of a branch line.

If sufficient foreign organic or inorganic material is discovered to be obstructing the pipe or sprinklers, then there will be a more comprehensive obstruction investigation.

The obstruction investigation will take place at a minimum of four points in the fire sprinkler system:

  • System valve
  • Riser
  • Cross main
  • Branch line

If obstructions are found, a complete flushing program will be conducted to remove all foreign materials from the piping.

Why is it Important?

Even over a relatively short period of time, build up can occur surprisingly quickly.

When these obstructions develop, they can diminish or even prevent the flow of the life and property saving water through your fire sprinklers in the event of a fire. Keeping your fire sprinkler piping up to code by adhering to the 5-year internal inspection will mean ensuring that your property, your employees and your customers are safe.

Need Help? Call FireGuard at 402-592-1999 today!

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