Do Your Sprinkler Systems Need to be Flushed?

NFPA standards require flushing of both underground fire mains and sprinkler systems. The extent and frequency required depends on many factors including: age of pipe; type of pipe (galvanize or black steel, lined versus unlined, etc.); dry or preaction systems; the type and cleanliness of water supplies; evidence of MIC (microbiologically induced corrosion); underground main breaks; etc. Common frequencies are in the 5 to 15 year range. Do your systems need to be checked? Ask your Matrix Risk Consultants account engineer. Below are two good examples of why we recommend flushing.

The picture on the left was taken at a plant where the dry pipe systems were old, the water supply was from a non-potable supply, and no one could remember when or if the system had been flushed. The client was new with Matrix and they were skeptical of the need. After doing the recommended flushing and finding a serious problem with a plugged pipe, extreme efforts were needed, which included rodding and in some cases, pipe replacement.

The plant was kind enough to give us a small section which had to be replaced. We think you can see the reason clearly enough in the picture on the right. As you can see, the pipe was completely full of hard sediment. This system would not have operated if a fire had occurred.

The picture to the left was taken after loop flow testing by one of our Matrix Risk Consultants engineers. After opening the hydrant, the flow suddenly began to drop. After disassembling the hydrant, the reason why the flow diminished so dramatically was clearly evident. Rocks! You get a sense of the size of the obstructions from the reference objects. Luckily, upon further checking, it did not appear that any debris went into the plant sprinkler systems. (Note the pitot tube and coins shown for reference.)

The above are two real life cases that graphically show why flushing and testing of your water supplies and sprinkler systems should be a regular part of your plant preventive maintenance program. If you have questions about your systems or the need for flushing at your facility, call your Matrix account engineer or discuss it during his next visit.