{"id":663,"date":"2025-01-16T21:32:55","date_gmt":"2025-01-16T21:32:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.agfmfg.com\/blog\/?p=663"},"modified":"2025-01-16T21:34:40","modified_gmt":"2025-01-16T21:34:40","slug":"prevent-freezing-your-auxiliary-drains-need-drained-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/content.agfmfg.com\/blog\/prevent-freezing-your-auxiliary-drains-need-drained-now\/","title":{"rendered":"Prevent Freezing: Your Auxiliary Drains Need Drained NOW!"},"content":{"rendered":"

With cold weather coming, even southern areas that usually don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

What Are Auxiliary Drains?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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The Risks of Freezing<\/strong><\/p>\n

Freezing auxiliary drains can have serious consequences:<\/p>\n

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  1. System Damage<\/strong>: Ice expansion can break pipes and fittings, requiring expensive repairs.<\/li>\n
  2. Flooding<\/strong>: If a frozen drain cracks, it may lead to water escaping when the system is activated, causing property damage.<\/li>\n
  3. System Failure<\/strong>: A frozen or damaged pipe compromises the system\u2019s ability to function properly during a fire.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Preventative Measures: Draining Auxiliary Drains<\/strong><\/p>\n

    To avoid these risks, it\u2019s essential to drain your auxiliary drains before cold weather hits. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n

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    1. Inspect Regularly<\/strong>: Check all drains for water accumulation and remove.<\/li>\n
    2. Follow a Schedule<\/strong>: Draining auxiliary drains should be part of your regular maintenance. This is especially important in winter or after the system is activated.<\/li>\n
    3. Install Fail-Safe Devices<\/strong>: Consider adding a Flood Eliminator<\/a> or similar device to protect against unexpected failures.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Extra Tips for Southern Regions<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Southern locations are often unprepared for extreme cold since freezing temperatures are rare. Property owners and managers in these areas should:<\/p>\n