Mechanical damage
Sprinkler heads can be damaged and distorted; this will affect the heads' ability to function. This is a common occurrence, and as can be seen from these images, often routine maintenance does not pick up these issues. The heads in these shots have clearly been left and have suffered environmental deterioration.
Environmental damage
Many environments are harsh and sprinklers may have been sprayed with paint or chemicals. Water can be hard or soft, and when left stagnant, can corrode pipes, often leaving debris and build up inside. Click here to find out about our pipe testing service.
'O' rings
Some sprinkler head systems incorporating o-ring seals may need testing earlier than the prescribed 25 years, and possibly with greater regularity than other types, to ensure the system functions as intended when required.
Test for the things you can't see
Routine maintenance including a visual inspection is essential, but over time there are many other issues that can arise that only extensive inspection and testing can identify, for example:
Part of the detection element has ‘hung up’ on the deflector plate which in turn stops water dispersing correctly.
The fusible element has dropped and hung on the deflector plate, which in turn stops water dispersing correctly.
Called strutting, when exposed to heat the glass does not shatter correctly, holding the seal in place and so stopping the water from being released.
On this test the valve seat has lodged even though the glass has shattered, stopping the water from being released.
To find out more about how we can assist you with any of our sprinkler services please fill out the form below, email us on sprinklers@thefpa.co.uk or call on 01608 812 537