How to Replace a Fire System Sprinkler Head
The safety of your home or business depends on your fire sprinkler system working properly. One area of the system that tends to break down or "wear" is the sprinkler head itself. Even when they're in good working order, dozens of old sprinkler heads are recalled each and every year because of changing regulations and laws. Here is a step-by-step guide to replacing a fire sprinkler head and ensuring your safety and compliance. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Determine where all of the sprinkler heads are located within the home, and how they are connected to the fire sprinkler system.
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2
Identify the type of fire sprinkler head that will fit the sprinkler system you have installed. Some systems will allow only one type of head replacement, while others allow for the exchange of sprinkler heads.
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3
Decide how many fire sprinkler heads must be replaced. In many instances, it will be necessary to replace them all. However, when only one or two defective heads are involved and changes are not mandated for some reason, only those heads will require replacement.
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4
Make the necessary purchases to replace the fire sprinkler heads. That may include obtaining new nipples, cages, caps or other mechanisms as well.
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5
Double-check fire regulations and building codes to make sure you are allowed to make the head replacements on your own. If not, contact an expert who is authorized to make such replacements.
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6
Turn off the water while making the necessary replacements.
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Remove the old sprinkler head. Replace sprinkler heads one at a time, rather than attempting to do them simultaneously. Be careful not to break or otherwise distort the connection between the sprinkler head and the piping, or you may be forced to lay a new pipeline as well.
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8
Attach the new nipple if one is involved. A nipple is a special attachment that screws onto one end of an open pipe. The other end connects directly to the sprinkler head.
If a nipple is not used, ascertain how the sprinkler head is attached to the pipe before proceeding.
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Screw the new sprinkler head into place according to the instructions provided with the new system.
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Attach the cage or cap over the top (if applicable), again following the instructions provided with the system.
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Turn the water back on and leak-test the system yourself; or, if local code or regulation requires, call in building inspectors to perform this step for you.
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Tips & Warnings
A cage is a hard plastic, rubber or metal covering that fits around the sprinkler head to protect it from damage. A cap is a plastic cover that hides a recessed sprinkler head, but pops open when water pressure activates the system.
Use all safety precautions. Use safety gear like goggles, masks and gloves.
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Comments
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Thomas L. Watt
Dec 29, 2010
!!!FAIL!!! You forgot to relieve the system pressure!!! By omitting this basic step you have created a disastrous scenario. The pressurized water exiting the pipe orifice at 50-100+ psi. could knock you off your ladder as it quickly floods the room, the rooms adjacent and of course any rooms below. Fortunately you won't be electrocuted because the electrical system was installed by qualified electricians and inspected by qualified inspectors. You don't do your own electrical work do you? cwho was also correct in that there are many types of sprinklers which all require their own specific wrenches. These wrenches are required to be installed with the system when new, along with a supply of spare sprinklers. They should be located in a cabinet near the Fire Sprinkler Riser. Very Important: The cpvc piping used in many residential occupancies is susceptible to stress cracks and... -
cwho
Nov 21, 2009
This is an incredibly simplistic article. I am not fire safety expert or a plumber but you first need to see how the system is connected to your alarm. Then a very obvious 6.5 would be to DRAIN the system. Shutting of the water is insufficient. In cold climates the system may be filled with glycol so dispose of correctly. External sprinkler heads are easy but recessed and flush mounts are much more difficult. A flush mount, hidden head common in residential applications requires you to first unscrew a cover plate. Then use a large socket or custom socket to remove the head. If they are over tightened... Then what do you do....
