Fire sprinkler systems are one of the most important pieces of fire safety equipment in any building. When maintained properly, they offer lasting protection to save lives and protect property.
Today, we will cover one of the most commonly overlooked maintenance tasks – cleaning the fire sprinkler heads. While it may seem like a fairly straightforward process, there are common mistakes that you should avoid.
These incorrect cleaning methods can fail to clear the sprinkler heads of debris, damage the heads, and potentially lead to severe malfunctions and leaks.
This guide will explore five of the most common mistakes you should avoid. From there, we will cover the proper techniques you should follow so you can learn how to clean sprinkler heads correctly.
To help you avoid costly and destructive water damage, we’ll also explain why you should invest in the Shutgun – the ultimate sprinkler head shut-off tool.
5 Common Fire Sprinkler Head Cleaning Mistakes:
1. Cleaning with Harsh Chemical Agents
Sprinkler heads can become caked in stubborn dirt and grease buildup, especially in industrial environments.
While it may seem like the right idea to clean the sprinkler heads using a powerful chemical cleaner, these harsh substances can damage the sprinkler heads’ delicate inner components by causing corrosion and premature deterioration.
When this occurs, rust can spread, potentially causing malfunctions and leaks or even reducing the sprinkler head’s effectiveness in a fire.
What Should You Do?
Opt for a mild cleaning agent, like a basic dish soap or diluted vinegar solution. These gentle cleaners may take more time to remove dirt and debris, but they are effective, and, more importantly, they will not harm the sprinkler heads.
2. Using an Overly Abrasive Cleaning Material
Like harsh chemicals, using an abrasive material to clean the fire sprinkler can damage it. Avoid using materials that could scratch and damage the metal, like steel wool or a wire brush.
You could damage the sprinkler head and even trigger a misfire by breaking the fusible link within the sprinkler head. If this occurred, the sprinkler would expel water just like it would in the event of a fire.
If this happens, you will need a way to shut the sprinkler off. By investing in a 5-Piece Shutgun Kit, you give yourself the ability to shut off the sprinkler and prevent costly water damage.
What Should You Do?
Use a microfiber cloth or toothbrush to clean the sprinkler head gently.
3. Ignoring Manufacturer Instructions
No matter the maintenance you perform on your fire sprinkler system, you will want to pay close attention to the manufacturer’s guidelines. This includes following the recommended cleaning instructions.
What Should You Do?
Carefully read the manual and any other type of guidelines the manufacturer provided. To guarantee that everything is done safely and effectively, you can also schedule professional service from certified installers and maintenance personnel. Choose specialists that the manufacturer approves for the best results.
4. Failing to Inspect the Sprinkler for Damage While Cleaning
Cleaning the fire sprinkler heads is the ideal time to inspect for signs of corrosion and other types of damage. Cracks and dents can also mean that the performance of your sprinkler heads will be compromised.
What Should You Do?
Take this time to perform a thorough inspection. Inspect before and after the cleaning, and make sure that you check the surrounding area for signs of water damage and rust.
This can also be an excellent time to ensure you are prepared for leaks, misfires, and accidental discharges. Access the number and location of your sprinkler heads. Invest in a Custom Shugun Case to ensure you have the correct number and types of Shutguns to deal with any situation.
5. Not Cleaning the Sprinklers Regularly
One of the most common mistakes is waiting too long between cleanings. Over time, the sprinklers can become caked in dust, dirt, grease, and other types of debris.
This accumulation can obstruct the flow of water from the sprinklers when they are activated. On top of that, the buildup can trap moisture, which could cause premature corrosion.
As you would expect, this is even more of an issue in industrial and agricultural buildings, commercial kitchens, and other locations where airborne debris is common.
What Should You Do?
Create a regular cleaning schedule for your fire sprinkler heads that makes sense with the type of environment where the sprinkler system is installed. At a minimum, you should clean the sprinkler heads at least twice per year, so cleaning them correctly every six months should ensure they perform as expected.
How Do You Clean Sprinkler Heads Correctly?
Now that you know what you shouldn’t do, we can look at the correct steps to clean your fire sprinkler heads. Remember, cleaning fire sprinkler heads ensures proper functionality and prevents malfunctions. Cleaning can also extend the lifespan of your sprinkler heads.
Don’t forget that you need to make sure that you clean every one of the heads, even those located in less visible areas of the building.
Step 1
Turn off the water supply to the sprinkler system to avoid accidental activation. Even if you have done this, you should still have a Shutgun tool on hand. We recommend positioning a Shutgun within reach of all fire sprinkler heads to help you avoid thousands of dollars in water damage.
Step 2
Gently wipe the surface of the sprinkler head to remove loose dust and dirt. Use a soft cloth or toothbrush. Use a mild dish soap and warm water solution or diluted white vinegar for more stubborn debris. Avoid applying too much force.
Step 3
Rinse the sprinkler head with clean water to remove any leftover cleaning solution.
Step 4
Inspect the cleaned fire sprinkler head for signs of damage or corrosion. If you discover anything that looks out of place, contact a professional service team as soon as possible.
Step 5
Once all sprinkler heads are cleaned and inspected, restore the water supply to the sprinkler system and observe them for leaks.
Get Your Shutgun Today
As mentioned, the Shutgun is an indispensable tool that can give you the ability to quickly and easily shut off an activated fire sprinkler head.
Whether the sprinkler misfired, was accidentally activated or continues to run after completely extinguishing a fire, you do not want to be stuck waiting for first responders to arrive and shut off the system. Each minute you wait could cost you thousands of dollars in water damage.
The Shutgun’s’ one-hand operation means anyone can safely use this simple and affordable tool. Shutguns are also available for different fire sprinkler heads, so you do not have to worry about compatibility issues. Simply order the Shutgun that matches your system.
Don’t wait any longer; click the link below to learn more and order your own: