5 Year Internal Inspections
We perform 3-year pressure tests and 5-year internal obstruction inspections to fully understand your system and ensure it operates when needed. NFPA 25 requires an internal inspection of fire sprinkler system piping every five years to check for the presence of foreign organic and inorganic material, which can obstruct pipes and sprinklers. According to NFPA 25, there are three levels of internal pipe inspections: a standard internal pipe inspection, which involves opening a flushing connection at the end of a main and removing a sprinkler head near the end of a branch line to check for foreign materials; an internal pipe examination for ‘at-risk’ systems, performed under certain conditions and requiring checks at the system valve, riser, cross main, and branch line; and an obstruction investigation, conducted if foreign materials are found during an inspection. Over the years, we’ve encountered systems that failed to activate due to poor installation or maintenance, often with excessive corrosion, debris, and MIC that caused premature deterioration. We are committed to protecting our customers and their tenants by ensuring systems are properly maintained, as neglect can lead to sprinkler heads and systems failing when needed most.
Types of Corrosion Like MIC in Pipes
Corrosion in pipes is a common issue that can severely impact their performance and lifespan. One of the most concerning types is MIC (Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion), which occurs due to the presence of microbial activity within the piping system. MIC is caused by microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, or algae that thrive in water or moist environments, accelerating the corrosion process. Other types of corrosion include uniform corrosion, which evenly degrades the pipe material over time, pitting corrosion, where localized holes or pits form, and galvanic corrosion, which happens when two dissimilar metals come into contact in a corrosive environment. Additionally, crevice corrosion occurs in confined spaces, while stress corrosion cracking arises under tensile stress combined with a corrosive medium. Understanding these corrosion types and their causes is crucial for adopting preventive measures like proper material selection, coatings, and regular maintenance to extend the life of your piping systems.
