How to Test the Water in a Fire Sprinkler

It's easy to test the water supply and flow of your fire sprinkler.

It is crucial that fire sprinkler systems be checked annually. One of the main components that must be tested is the water supply and how it flows. This test must be conducted to determine whether there are any changes or repairs needed to ensure that your fire sprinkler works in case of emergency.

Instructions

1. Search for the pressure gauge on the supply side of the fire sprinkler. Write down the static pressure.

2. Open the main drain valve and let the water run for several minutes until it is clear.

3. Observe the supply side pressure gauge and write down the pressure once the needle has stabilized. This number is your residual pressure.

4. Close the main valve after the water has drained and the pressure has been recorded.

5. Compare the residual pressure to the previous year's test results. If there is a significant pressure drop, this may indicate closed valves or another obstruction on the sprinkler's supply side, which should be fixed immediately.

References

• U.S. Fire Administration: Sprinkler Main Drain Tests