What Is an In-Home Fire Sprinkler System?

An in-home fire sprinkler system is a network of pipes connected to various sprinklers in the ceiling. These pipes stay filled with pressurized water so the sprinklers can PuroClean Syracuse immediately blast the flames with water in the event of a fire.

It’s actually not smoke that activates a sprinkler. Instead, heat will set off a fire sprinkler system. A sprinkler will activate when the air temperature reaches a certain level and may fully extinguish the fire or keep it at bay until the fire department arrives. Installing sprinklers in your home is a good way to protect yourself from a blaze burning out of control, and as a result, you need to keep them maintained.

How an In-Home Fire Sprinkler System Works
When a fire first breaks out, the sprinkler closest to the flame will detect a change in heat and activate. Usually, this happens when the temperature rises to 135 and 165 degrees. Then, a glass bulb filled with a special liquid (usually a mixture of glycerin and water) expands and shatters the glass, which triggers a valve to open in the sprinkler head.

The pressurized water rushes out, spraying in an arc to cover and wet as wide of an area as possible. Fortunately, all sprinklers don’t activate at once—just the ones that the heat triggers, which will help limit water damage (and the amount you pay in water damage restoration costs) to the rest of the home.

How to Maintain a Home Sprinkler System
Most home fire sprinkler systems are low maintenance, but you will still need to do some work to ensure they’re in tip-top shape. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has detailed inspection, testing, and maintenance guidelines for water-based systems. Some of the activities you’ll need to do to maintain your system according to the guidelines include:

Check Valves
Perform a monthly inspection of your system’s control valve. Locate all the valves and ensure they’re open. If you have a multipurpose system, you’ll probably already know if your valve is closed—closing this valve would shut off your overall plumbing. If you have a standalone system, make sure the valve is clearly marked and consider locking it so it remains open.

Inspect Sprinkler Heads
Periodically check sprinkler heads and visible pipes for signs of damage. Make sure the sprinklers are unobstructed, too. Prevent damage by never hanging anything like plants or clothing from sprinklers. Don’t block them with tall furniture or wall art; nothing should be within 18 inches of each sprinkler head. Avoid painting sprinklers and their covers, too, as this can damage their heat sensors.