Physically it’s a small part of water based fire protection system but it can cause a lot of problems if it’s neglected. Fire protection check valves are often forgotten about because they require less frequent inspections than other fire and life safety components. Luckily, you can take preventative steps so that you don’t experience the following serious and costly repairs.
Results of Check Valve Failure
When check valves fail to hold back pressure and allow water to freeze to fire department connection caps it makes them extremely difficult to remove during an emergency. Pipes and other components may require a replacement based on the amount of damaged caused by ice buildup. In the worst case scenario, a fire department connection check valve becomes completely frozen. This renders the entire assembly to be useless during a fire. Then firefighters can’t use the connection to fight the building fire, giving the fire more time to intensify and spread. This can lead to costly fire damages or a complete loss of the property.
Prevention Tips
The best way to prevent fire protection check valves from freezing is by hiring a professional to internally inspect them every 5 years. The service provider will ensure that all components are operating correctly, move freely, and are in good condition. They’ll also replace gaskets since these items can dry out causing leaks to occur. On your own, you should check on the FDC regularly and ensure that it’s easily accessible and free of snow. Additionally, make sure there’s no irregular discoloration on the building’s exterior or pavement around the FDC. This indicates that there may be a leaky check valve.
Unfortunately, facilities forget about professional internal check valve inspections since they infrequently occur. This can lead to costly repairs and even detrimental results in the case of an emergency. It’s important to have check valves internally inspected every 5 years and to perform your own visual inspections. They can help you identify a potential problem during the inspection period.
Categorized in: Education, Fire Pumps, Fire Sprinklers, Fire Suppression