That will just create problems for you.

No. We don't do a full flow trip test of your dry system every third year, even though it's required. A pipe could break. Or the end of the line could get clogged with sediment that's in the pipe. 

No we don't flow your standpipe on the roof every fifth year even though it's required. We don't want to chance finding a roof leak. 

No. We don't back flush your FDC, even though it's required. It might be corroded inside, and it could start to leak. 

No. We don't schedule full trip tests on your pre-action or deluge systems for when you have a scheduled equipment shutdown, even though it's required. Some of your pipe could start to leak. 

No. We don't flow hydrants with the fire pump running. We don't want to disturb the underground pipe too much. 

Wait. What???

Have you heard this before? Maybe you haven't. Maybe you have. Maybe you have no idea what you are paying for on an annual basis. 

Some contractors use these phrases (or something like it) to justify why they are NOT going to perform the required tests. 

Ask your insurance company if that's ok. Ask them if that seems legit. Just be ready to have an underwriter come knocking on your door looking for all of the paperwork showing that you have had all compliant tests and inspection and maintenance performed. 

True. There is A LOT that can go wrong while testing fire sprinkler components.

But it's better to have it fail during a test....while there are qualified personnel on site to mitigate the situation RATHER THAN have something go wrong at the worst time....when it is needed during a fire emergency. 

Make sure you are getting what you are paying for. 

Make sure that your current contractor is guiding you correctly and letting you know all of the inspections and tests that are required. They are the experts. They are the ones you are hiring because they know what needs to get done. 

Here's the catch. The onus is on you. The building owner....the owners representative/property manager....the chief engineer....the operations manager....the facilities manager....pick your title. It doesn't matter which one. Because when the slop hits the fan....the insurance company and their team of lawyers are going to be pointing fingers and asking lots and lots of questions. 

And that's just the start.....

Don't have the paperwork? Didn't have the schedule of inspections completed as laid out in NFPA 25? Didn't know you had to have all of these things done?

Good luck getting your claim paid for. 

Property management companies...here come the lawsuits from your tenants. 

Etc. etc. etc. 

Not sure if you have everything in order?

Give us a call at 484-321-FIRE

or visit our website and fill out the contact form. We will help you out. 

Some of the tests aren't cheap. But it's much cheaper than not doing them. That I can assure you. 

321FireProtection.com