With cold weather coming, even southern areas that usually don’t freeze need to prepare their fire sprinkler systems. It’s important to take action now. For dry and pre-action sprinkler systems, one of the most common vulnerabilities during extreme cold is auxiliary drains. Neglecting to properly maintain and drain these components can lead to costly damage and system failure.
What Are Auxiliary Drains?
Auxiliary drains, called drum drips or low point drains, are important parts of dry and pre-action fire sprinkler systems. They collect condensation that forms inside pipes, preventing it from pooling and causing corrosion or blockages. When temperatures drop below freezing, water in the auxiliary drain can freeze. This ice can expand and may crack the drain or the system’s pipes.
The Risks of Freezing
Freezing auxiliary drains can have serious consequences:
- System Damage: Ice expansion can break pipes and fittings, requiring expensive repairs.
- Flooding: If a frozen drain cracks, it may lead to water escaping when the system is activated, causing property damage.
- System Failure: A frozen or damaged pipe compromises the system’s ability to function properly during a fire.
Preventative Measures: Draining Auxiliary Drains
To avoid these risks, it’s essential to drain your auxiliary drains before cold weather hits. Here’s how:
- Inspect Regularly: Check all drains for water accumulation and remove.
- Follow a Schedule: Draining auxiliary drains should be part of your regular maintenance. This is especially important in winter or after the system is activated.
- Install Fail-Safe Devices: Consider adding a Flood Eliminator or similar device to protect against unexpected failures.
Extra Tips for Southern Regions
Southern locations are often unprepared for extreme cold since freezing temperatures are rare. Property owners and managers in these areas should:
- Be proactive: Start checking and draining auxiliary drains as soon as cold weather is forecast.
- Educate staff: Ensure maintenance teams know how to drain and inspect auxiliary drains properly. AGF’s preassembled drains include draining instructions on the label.
- Invest in long-term solutions: Products like the Model 5500 have a heated cabinet and automatic draining to help safeguard your system from unexpected freezes. A more economical option that is easily retrofitted on an existing low-point drain is the Model 5900 Flood Eliminator.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Properly maintaining and draining your auxiliary drains can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and prevent downtime. With extreme cold weather on the way, take action now to protect your system and your property.
For more information about maintaining your fire sprinkler system or to learn about solutions like the Flood Eliminator, contact us today.