In Orange County, California fire sprinklers are required to be inspected quarterly and tested thoroughly annually.
The quarterly fire sprinkler testing consists of testing the water pressure, the gauges for damage and accuracy, testing the sprinkler heads for damage and paint, testing the valves for proper position and damage, checking the pipe hangers are in the correct location and are not damaged, checking the Fire Department Connection for visibility, and checking pipes for damage.
Whereas the annual fire sprinkler testing in Orange County consists of all the above, as well as checking the Main Drain for obstructions, operating the Control Valves to ensure they’re in full working order, testing the Control Valve Tampers, and testing the Water Flow Switch.
What would happen if you miss your annual testing?
If you don’t have your sprinklers tested regularly, you could be in breach of your property insurance, and should the worst happens and a fire breaks out your insurance company will have the legal right to dispute or deny any claims.
Crucially, if you miss your annual fire sprinkler testing and fire should break out your property will be at risk of becoming far more damaged than it would have if it turns out any of your systems are faulty, and should anyone become injured or worse then you will be held liable.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a large percentage of businesses will not reopen after disasters, such as fires, and 25% fail within a year of reopening. Avoid any such a disaster by ensuring you’re tested every year.
