Cold weather and freezing temperatures are on the way! Remember these key facts from NFPA 25. The building owner is responsible for keeping their system dry!
4.1.1* Responsibility for Inspection, Testing, Maintenance,
and Impairment. The property owner or designated representative
shall be responsible for properly maintaining a waterbased
fire protection system.
4.1.2* Freeze Protection. The property owner or designated
representative shall ensure that water-filled piping is maintained
at a minimum temperature of 40°F (4°C) unless an
approved antifreeze solution is utilized.
5.4.2* Dry Pipe Systems. Dry pipe systems shall be kept dry at all times.
13.4.5.3.2* Auxiliary drains in dry pipe sprinkler systems shall
be drained after each operation of the system, before the onset
of freezing weather conditions, and thereafter as needed.
A.13.4.5.3.2 Removing water from a dry system is an essential
part of a good maintenance program. Failure to keep the dry
system free of water can result in damage and expensive repairs
to both the system and building. A program for monitoring the
condition of the system and the operation of the auxiliary
drains should be instituted. Auxiliary drains should be operated
on a daily basis after a dry sprinkler system operation until
several days pass with no discharge of water from the drain
valve. Thereafter, it might be possible to decrease the
frequency to weekly or longer intervals depending on the
volume of water discharged. Likewise, when preparing for cold
weather, the auxiliary drains should be operated daily with the
frequency of operation decreasing depending on the discharge
of accumulated water. In many cases, the frequency of the operation
can decrease significantly if a system is shown to be dry. A
quick-opening device, if installed, should be removed temporarily from service prior to draining low points.
A.13.3.2.2 Valves should be kept free of snow, ice, storage, or
other obstructions so that access is ensured.
