How to Prevent a Low Point Drain From Freezing
One warm day after a cold snap is a refreshing break from a bone-chilling winter. Unfortunately, this extreme temperature change can potentially damage fire sprinkler low point drains found in dry pipe systems.
Even though fire sprinkler dry pipe systems aren’t filled with water, condensate will build up over time. If excess water isn’t removed from the dry pipe system’s low point drain it can lead to costly repairs and water damage due to flooding. This situation occurs when the excess condensate freezes and cracks the pipe. Then on an unseasonably warm winter day, the ice melts. The dry pipe system detects the air pressure change and floods with water that leaks through the cracked pipe.
How to Empty Fire Sprinkler Low Point Drains
In order to avoid low point drain damage due to freezing, follow NFPA 25 guidelines that explain how to empty a fire sprinkler low point drain. Follow these directions on how to empty a dry pipe system’s low point drain.
Empty Fire Sprinkler Low Point Drains with a Single Valve:
- Open the low-point drain valve slowly.
- Close the drain valve as soon as water ceases to discharge and allow time for additional accumulation above the valve.
- Repeat this procedure until water ceases to discharge.
- Replace plug or nipple and cap as necessary.
Empty Fire Sprinkler Low Point Drains with Dual Valves:
- Close the upper valve.
- Open the lower valve, and drain the accumulated water.
- Close the lower valve, open the upper valve and allow time for additional water accumulation.
- Repeat this procedure until water ceases to discharge.
- Replace plug or nipple and cap in the lower valve.
Emptying fire sprinkler low point drains just takes a few steps. Yet, this basic fire sprinkler maintenance could save you thousands of dollars in repairs and water damage. Lastly, regularly check and empty your dry pipe low point drains throughout the season and be wary of a warm winter day.
Categorized in: Education, Fire Sprinklers, General