Repairing a Fire Sprinkler Head

The fire sprinkler head is the most important component of a fire sprinkler system. Not only is this the most important part but it’s also the one that breaks or wears out easily among all the components. Despite being in good working order, hundreds of old sprinkler heads are being changed every year because of altered laws and regulations on fire protection systems. To ensure safety and compliance, it is advisable to make sure faulty fire sprinkler heads are repaired to its good working state once they are found to be broken and if it can’t be repaired, these heads are to be replaced immediately.

Step 1 – Check the System Plan

Take out your fire sprinkler system plan and determine where all the sprinkler heads are located in your house. Determine how these heads are connected to the system.

Step 2 – Check Regulations

Be aware of fire regulations and building codes. Make sure you are allowed to make the repair or the replacements on your own. You might be required to contact an expert or professional for sprinkler head repair and replacement.

Step 3 – Close Water Source

Close the water source when repairing the sprinkler head. Remove the heads for repairing. Remove some heads which aren’t broken.

Step 4 – Know the Parts

The sprinkler head is made of the plug, the trigger and the plates. There are two kinds of sprinkler heads. The difference between the two is dependent on the type of trigger used.  The trigger is responsible for activating the water and alerting the fire department. The first type consists of a plug, spring arms, and soldiered plates. When the soldier plates melt due to the heat of the fire, this will release the spring arms, activating the release of water and alarming. The second type is the one that consists of a plug, a vacuum sealed glass tube and deflector plate. The glass tube contains liquid that expands during temperature increase resulting in its breakage. This activates the release of water.

Step 5 – Check the Parts

Check each part if you notice any physical problems. Use the fixed or unbroken heads you removed during the previous step as comparison for checking any broken parts.

Step 6 – Contact the Manufacturer

Contact the manufacturer if these parts are replaceable. Inquire also if these can still be repaired. If incase they are repairable, and once you have ordered the parts, install them correctly using the instruction manual that comes with the parts.

Step 7 – Installing the Parts

If the soldiered plate is the problem, attach the new plate to the head ensuring the plug is in place and the spring arms are held together. If the glass tube is the problem, ensure that the plug is put back in position before installing the glass tube in its correct place.

Step 8 – Choose the Type of Sprinkler Head

If the parts are irreplaceable, it is time to replace the head. Determine the type of sprinkler head that will fit the sprinkler system you have installed in your home. Make sure that your replacement sprinkler head is compatible with the system. Some systems will allow only a single type of head replacement, while others will allow various types of sprinkler heads to be installed.

Step 9 – Use a New Nipple

Make use of a new nipple by attaching it to the pipe before the new sprinkler head is attached. The nipple connects the end of the pipe to the sprinkler head. If in case a nipple is not used, determine how the sprinkler head is attached to the pipe by checking the sprinkler manual before proceeding.

Step 10 – Screw the New Sprinkler

Screw the new sprinkler head in place using a screwdriver. Use a cage or cap over the top of the sprinkler head if needed.

Step 11 – Test System

Turn on the water supply and conduct system leak test. If possible, have the fire sprinkler system checked by a professional or an expert to ensure the replacement or repair was done correctly.