Loaded or dirty fire sprinkler heads can cause your sprinkler system to fail – and you need it functioning properly to protect lives and property. Here’s our how-to guide when you’re wondering what to do with a loaded fire sprinkler head in Orlando.
Not only are fire sprinkler systems required by code in most commercial buildings, but the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) reports that the civilian injury rate is 27% lower in fires on properties that are equipped with sprinklers. This makes having a fully functioning sprinkler system absolutely critical. Those fire sprinkler heads aren’t maintenance-free, but you came to the right place if you’re asking what to do with a loaded sprinkler head in Orlando.
What Is A Loaded Fire Sprinkler Head?
Not to be confused with a loaded baked potato or loaded nachos, a loaded fire sprinkler head is filled with dust, dirt, and other debris (so you won’t see it on a menu anytime soon). This can impact your sprinkler system in a few different ways, but primarily it can reduce the effectiveness of the activation speed and water spray patterns.
Why will a loaded fire sprinkler head reduce activation speed? On your fire sprinkler head, there is a thermal element. This is typically a glass bulb that will break when exposed to extreme temperatures, like those from a fire. If this bulb has been coated with dust and dirt, it can insulate it and cause activation delay or failure.
If the sprinkler does successfully activate, a loaded sprinkler head may have a distorted spray pattern that will not effectively extinguish the fire.
What To Do With A Loaded Fire Sprinkler Head In Orlando
Cleaning is possible – but use caution
According to NFPA standards, a loaded fire sprinkler head can be cleaned if the loading is not too severe. The NFPA 25 states that if your sprinkler head is loaded with a layer of dust, “it is permitted to clean sprinklers with compressed air or by a vacuum provided that the equipment does not touch the sprinkler.”
However, you need to contact a professional fire sprinkler service provider for this task – one wrong move could result in serious damage to your sprinkler system or the interior of your building. We’ll make sure it’s done right.
If your sprinkler heads can’t be cleaned, they need to be replaced
A severely loaded sprinkler head needs to be replaced as soon as possible, and there’s no one better for the job than DynaFire. Our NICET-certified technicians can inspect your sprinkler system and determine the services necessary to keep it operating as it should. We know how to avoid counterfeits so that your sprinkler heads work as they should.
If you’ve been having problems with specific sprinkler heads becoming repeatedly loaded, our technicians can work with you to find a solution and determine the next steps to take.
Wondering What To Do With A Loaded Fire Sprinkler Head? Call DynaFire
We’re here to help with all of your Fire & Life Safety needs. Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer!
