Annual Fire Sprinkler Inspections

* When it comes to inspection and/or testing guidelines, your Authority Having Jurisdiction makes the final decision as to what needs to be performed for a particular inspection. You should either speak directly with your AHJ or a licensed fire protection contractor within your state.

What is an annual inspection? It is a yearly inpsection performed on a fire sprinkler system as mandated by the authority having jurisdiction.

A Quarterly inspection is part of an annual. When your fire sprinkler inspector performs the Annual inspection for your building, he or she will be performing the same line items as a Quarterly inspection.

Hangers and seismic bracing. An Annual inspection requires that hangers and seismic bracing be checked during the inspection. It's important that all pipe hangers be visibly intact and supporting their section of pipe as originally intended. In areas prone to earthquakes, seismic bracing is an integral part of the sprinkler system and must be in good working order at all times.

Test the main drain. Flowing water from the main drain is part of the Annual inspection. Your inspector will open the valve for the 2" main drain and flow water from it. He or she should notify you of anything that should be moved due to water drainage (such as parked cars).

Antifreeze. The antifreeze solution should be checked (applies to antifreeze systems in cold-climate locations).

Spin the valves. Valves should be spun to the full open position and then returned to the closed position. The valves should spin freely. If they stick or are otherwise difficult to spin, they should be repaired to proper working order.