When fire sprinkler corrosion isn’t identified and properly addressed, it can become a serious problem. In the worst case scenario, fire sprinkler systems may fail to operate as designed which can have devastating results. The good news is that if you’re aware of the symptoms and the most common causes that increase corrosion then you can take steps to prevent it and fix the problem.

Signs of Corrosion

Periodically walking through your facility and being aware of some of the signs of corrosion can help you identify the issue before it becomes very costly to repair. Some signs of fire sprinkler corrosion include leaks, rotten egg smell, discolored water, rusting, and obstruction. In addition to looking for some of these signs on your own, a fire protection company can perform an internal fire sprinkler pipe inspection to uncover any potential problems.

For many years, microbiologically influenced corrosion was thought to be the number one cause of fire sprinkler corrosion. Although MIC is quite prevalent, the primary cause of fire sprinkler corrosion is oxygen. The primary sources that will increase the rate of sprinkler corrosion include:

1. Oxygen

2. Solids within the pipe

3. Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion

4. Removing and replacing pipe

5. Draining and refilling the system

6. Condensation

How to Prevent Fire Sprinkler Corrosion?

Nitrogen is one of the most popular ways to mitigate fire sprinkler corrosion caused by oxygen. Pumping nitrogen into the fire sprinkler system replaces oxygen in the system. Fortunately, this is a viable solution for both wet and dry fire sprinkler systems.

It’s in your best interest to always be on the lookout for corrosion in your fire sprinkler system. If fire sprinkler pipes are corroding for a long period of time the system may fail to operate in an emergency. This is why it’s critical for you to be aware of the signs of sprinkler corrosion and also have a professional fire and life safety company perform an internal pipe inspection. They’ll mitigate any issues and can even help you prevent the problem in the future by pumping nitrogen into the system.

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