"Scott A. Futrell" wrote:
-> NFPA 25 gives the basic inspection and testing frequency. However,
-> experience teaches us that they are all different. Some systems will
-> have more water or condensation than others. So, you need to check them
-> frequently at first, and frequently after water has been introduced
-> (system trip, testing, etc.), then less frequently until you get a feel
-> for how much water is there and how long it takes it to accumulate.
-> Some systems are dry all the time, others there can be ounces to cups of
-> water (or more) each time you check.
->
-> They freeze and break nicely if they aren't properly maintained.
Thanks to all for the great answers.
I don't have NFPA 25; would be curious to know what it says.
Summing up everyone's feedback I think the above is the way we'll go,
modified some for the weather (no point trying to drain 'em when it's
below freezing.) I've been logging which traps are damp so hopefully
can get a feel for which ones need the most attention.
Here's what prompted the question: original sprinkler system (I think
from the mid-80's) had no provision for drainage, tended to freeze and
trip (surprise) and the fire dept was getting annoyed at all the calls
(big surprise). Pinhole leaks developed which I'm sure accelerated this
process.
So, we completely replaced the system this summer; work was completed
in Aug I think. First decent cold spell we had (end of Nov, 10F lows)
7 out of the 30 drum drips blew. Installer says our fault, they have
to be drained weekly. Seemed to think this was just obvious - everyone
knows you drain drum drips weekly.
Don't get me wrong... we live over this garage and wouldn't want to
be without the sprinklers. But we sure would've liked to know about
draining it *before* it blew, and getting invoiced to repair a system we
just bought was a bit of a slap in the face.
(Had a great time deicing the garage too. Pour that much water into
a garage that's mostly ramps and you've got a great luge run. Wish I
had a video camera with me to tape the guy that walked out there in
flat-soled dress shoes.)
Anyway, thanks again to all for the responses. I wasn't sure whether
the contractor just failed to properly drain the system after install &
test and was now trying to cover his butt, or whether his (post-failure)
explanation that we need to drain it weekly for the life of the system
was really a standard that we as owners were morons to not know.
Sounds like the answer is neither - weekly isn't the general standard(?)
but a good idea in this area at least till we get the system dry, and we
should probably ask them to write us up an O&M manual so we can find out
if there are any other maintenance items we're neglecting.
-Robert.-
_______________________________________________
Sprinklerforum mailing list
[email protected]
http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum
