When temperatures drop, your fire protection system is at serious risk — especially if it includes dry pipe systems, unheated spaces, or poorly maintained valves. One frozen pipe can shut down your entire sprinkler system and leave your building exposed.
Here’s how to protect your system before the first freeze hits.
1. Inspect and Drain Low Points
Water left in dry pipe systems can freeze and rupture the pipe. Before winter, ensure low points and auxiliary drains are emptied — especially after testing.
2. Check for Adequate Heating
Any space with sprinkler piping — including attics, stairwells, or entry vestibules — must be kept above 40°F. Broken thermostats or uninsulated walls can lead to catastrophic failures.
3. Schedule Your Annual Inspection
NFPA 25 requires routine inspections. Winter is when most failures happen — and when you need the system to work the most. Don’t wait.
4. Review Antifreeze Levels
If you have a system with antifreeze loops, make sure the mixture concentration is correct. Too diluted? It’ll freeze. Too strong? It could be combustible.
5. Inspect Valves and Seals
Freezing temps can crack gaskets, seize up valves, or compromise tamper switches. A quick inspection now can prevent a nightmare later.
Avoid frozen pipes, busted sprinklers, and expensive shutdowns. Schedule your winter fire sprinkler maintenance with Ironsmith Fire today.