Commercial & Residential
Bay Area & Silicon Valley fire sprinkler inspection
If you’re in Silicon Valley, we may be near you right now. We serve San Jose, Campbell, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Redwood City, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Milpitas, Fremont, Union City, Hayward, San Mateo, Hollister, and as far south as Salinas.
Some of the properties we SERVICE IN the Bay Area & Silicon Valley and beyond…
Don't be sorry. Be safe with regular inspections.
A fire sprinkler system inspection is a visual inspection of the fire sprinkler system components and their associated piping, valves, and related equipment to ensure they are in proper working order and compliant with all applicable standards and codes.
Why your fire sprinklers need regular fire inspections
Here are some of the most common causes of failures in fire sprinkler systems we see throughout the Bay Area & Silicon Valley and why routine inspections are critically important:
Corrosion: Over time, fire sprinkler systems can experience corrosion, especially in environments with high humidity or chemical exposure. Corrosion can weaken the pipes, fittings, and sprinkler heads, leading to leaks or system failures.
Obstructions: Various obstructions, such as debris, dust, or mineral deposits, can accumulate within the fire sprinkler system. These obstructions can restrict water flow and hinder the proper functioning of sprinkler heads when activated, reducing their effectiveness in controlling fires.
Mechanical failures: Components of fire sprinkler systems, such as valves, pressure gauges, or alarm devices, can experience mechanical failures. Faulty components may result in the system not activating during a fire or not operating as intended, compromising the safety of the protected area. If this is happening to your system, your sprinklers may also need repairs.
Inadequate sprinkler coverage: Improper installation or maintenance practices can lead to inadequate sprinkler coverage. This means certain areas may not be adequately protected, leaving them vulnerable to fire damage.
Human error: Mistakes made during the installation, maintenance, or inspection processes can contribute to fire sprinkler system malfunctions. Examples of human error include improper adjustment of sprinkler heads, failure to conduct regular inspections, or neglecting necessary maintenance tasks.
Documentation issues: Fire sprinkler systems require proper documentation to ensure compliance with regulations and provide a record of maintenance and inspections. Common documentation issues include incomplete or inaccurate records, missing inspection reports, or failure to update system documentation regularly.
Hidden leaks: Some leaks in fire sprinkler systems may not be immediately visible to the naked eye. Small leaks can occur within the piping network or connections, potentially causing water damage over time. Regular inspections can help identify hidden leaks before they escalate.
Water supply problems: Fire sprinkler systems rely on an adequate and reliable water supply. Issues such as insufficient water pressure, inadequate water flow, or problems with the water source can impact the system’s effectiveness during a fire event. Regular inspections help identify any water supply problems that may hinder the system’s performance.
Periodic inspections and fire sprinkler maintenance by qualified professionals are crucial to ensuring the proper functioning of fire sprinkler systems and minimizing the risk of failures or malfunctions.
NOTE: If you also have fire pumps and fire hydrants on your commercial properties, those too need regular testing & maintenance.
Fire sprinkler inspections should include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Visual inspection of all sprinkler system components for signs of damage, wear, or deterioration;
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Testing of all alarms, valves, and controllers to ensure proper operation;
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Testing of fire sprinkler system water flows to ensure they meet the design requirements.
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Examination of the water supply and pressure to ensure the system is sufficient to meet the demands of the system;
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Verification of all sprinkler heads are in the proper locations and have been installed correctly;
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Examination of all fire pumps, motors, and controllers to ensure proper operation;
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Inspection of all hangers and supports for signs of rust, deterioration, or improper installation;
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Inspection of all piping and fittings for signs of corrosion, damage, or blockages.
5-Year & Annual Required Inspections
To keep you, your Bay Area & Silicon Valley property, and your customers and employees safe, you must conduct a thorough inspection for obstructions of your internal sprinkler system at a minimum of every five years. This is mandated by the NFPA.
Read more about 5-year sprinkler inspections and about annual inspections.
A fire sprinkler inspection by our technicians here at Norcal Fire Protection will include all of the above and more in search of any hidden risks that may exist in your sprinkler system. We will then provide recommendations for improvements and/or repairs to help mitigate the devastating effects of fires and safeguard the well-being of occupants and property.
Inspections should be performed on a regular basis to prevent problems down the road.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call Norcal to schedule your fire sprinkler inspection today.
We are a full-service fire protection contractor
- Fire sprinkler system installation for new commercial buildings & home construction
- Retro-fit, tenant improvements, density upgrades installations
- Fire sprinkler inspections, maintenance, repairs
- 5 yr fire sprinkler certification, annual and MIC testing
- Fire hydrant and fire pump inspections and maintenance
Cities we serve
San Jose
Campbell
Santa Clara
Sunnyvale
Cupertino
Mountain View
Palo Alto
Menlo Park
Redwood City
Morgan Hill
Gilroy
Salinas
Milpitas
Fremont
Union City
Hayward
San Mateo
Hollister
