Home owners and business owners alike have the specter of fire damage hanging over them as one of the most prolific causes of damage to property. Many have this concern diminished as a result of the installation of a fire protection service or sprinkler system but like every system, it needs maintenance to keep it functional or else it is not going to be of much use in the event that a fire does occur on your property. As much attention must be paid then to maintenance as was to installation or even sourcing the appropriate company from which the system would be purchased. This requires regular inspection.

Aside from being a very good practice in respect to your own safety and that of the people and items that occupy your sprinkler protected building, inspections are also a legal requirement for many. It can be a more simple matter to have your sprinkler system inspected by the company that installed it but this is not absolutely necessary and where impossible you can look to another firm. Some companies specialize primarily in inspection rather than installation and they can be considered in these circumstances as well.

The inspection itself will be conducted by a trained technician who checks various aspects of the system including the flow of water, the functionality of the alarm system and the valves. The head of each sprinkler will also have to be inspected to see that its reserves are adequate. If there have been any changes to the system, your technician may in quire about these and any blockages that might hinder the function of the system. At the end of this inspection, he or she will make note on the devices of the time and date of the inspection and let you know anything that might need replacing or otherwise be cause for concern.

Rather than relying exclusively on the company to keep your sprinkler system in order, you should also be aware of some basic methods of maintenance so that you can keep your fire prevention system in the best shape possible between visits. No one in your home or business should be hanging objects from the heads of the sprinklers. This can weaken them. Try not to touch, hit or otherwise tamper with the sprinkler heads unnecessarily as well. You may inadvertently make adjustments to them which can make them less able to protect you in the event of a fire. For similar reasons you should avoid painting the heads of the sprinkler system. This may lead to an obstruction of the water flow if the paint seals off any of the holes the water would have come through. Remember to check for other blockages or anything else out of the ordinary at least once a month as well and if you have concerns, remember to call in a professional. When your safety and property can end up at risk it is better to be safe than sorry.

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When it comes to protecting yourself from the threat of a fire, no option compares to fire sprinklers. They don't need anyone to operate them, nor does anyone have to be around to even activate them. They contain the fire as much as possible so it doesn't spread, and they limit the amount of property damage done. For all these reasons and more, you should be considering fire sprinkler installation. However, if you're looking to save a buck or simply enjoy a good project, you may also be considering handling the project on your own. Before you do, let's take a look at fire sprinkler installation and some things you should know.

Handling Fire Sprinkler Installation on Your Own

The truth of the matter is that you have a number of options for installing your own fire sprinkler system. Thanks to the Internet, all the parts are out there. So long as you have an understanding of your piping system, you may very well be able to pull off an installation. Plus, the actual fire sprinklers only need to be connected to the pipes. Their design ensures they'll go off if a fire happens.

That being said, this doesn't mean handling your own fire sprinkler installation is a good idea. The American Fire Sprinkler Association is very much opposed to the idea of anyone without formal training attempting this process.

For one thing, they recommend that you only use materials approved by the National Fire Protection Association and that your installation meets their standards. Even with the Internet on your team, you may have a hard time pulling his off. Meeting their standards may also be difficult if you're not sure on what exactly they mean.

Plus, you need to consider your insurance company. Many providers lower your premiums after a fire sprinkler installation. However, chances are they're also very specific about who can handle it. If you're not licensed, credentialed, certified, etc., there's a good chance your insurance company doesn't want you doing it. They may not lower your premium or, in the event of a fire, they may not be legally obligated to help you. Saving some money upfront really won't be worth it then.

Your home may never catch fire (hopefully), but it can still take on plenty of damage if you try installing your own sprinkler system. The process involves altering the supply of water to your home meaning you'll be giving it access to just about every room. This isn't anything to worry about so long as the installation is handled correctly. However, if it's not, you could have a pipe break or a sprinkler head drop out and all your hard work will simply net you one wet house.

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