The fire sprinkler system in your home, office or other commercial building ensures fire safety. A lot of sprinkler systems shut off automatically once the fire’s out.
Sprinkler heads that malfunction or break can spray water even when there is no fire. In this case, you’ll need to shut off the system manually. This will help to prevent water damage to your property.
There are two main methods for shutting off a commercial fire sprinkler system. One way is to shut off the water supply using the control valve. You can also use a fire sprinkler shut-off tool. Using both methods, let us explore how to shut off a commercial fire sprinkler system.
How to Shut Off Commercial Fire Sprinkler System: Different Methods
A control valve is a most commonly used and most effective method of shutting off a fire sprinkler system. It is necessary to purchase a fire sprinkler shut-off tool before you can use it.
Shutting off the sprinkler system using these two methods is different from each other. So, let’s see in detail both approaches to turning off a fire sprinkler system.
Method 01: Using Control Valve
For this suppression system, it is necessary to determine where the control valve is located. There are two types of control valves you may encounter. One is the main shut-off valve, and the other is the individual shut-off valve for the sprinkler system.
In most cases, the main shut-off valve is located near the water tank or meter. There is a possibility that it may be located in the basement in some cases. In that case, you need to go to the basement and look for it.
There will be a large wheel or handle on the valve that can be turned to stop the flow of water. Upon finding the valve, turn it clockwise to shut it off.
Please keep in mind that if you turn off the main shut-off valve, the water supply to the entire building will be interrupted, not just the sprinkler system. It may cause some inconvenience, but if multiple sprinkler systems malfunction simultaneously, it may be the best course of action.
There are some commercial fire extinguisher systems equipped with individual shut-off valves. In this case, the shut-off valve will be located near the specific system that needs to be turned off.
It’s great because you won’t have to shut off the water for the whole building. Simply locate the valve and turn it clockwise to shut off the water flow. Only the specific system will be shut down.
If the sprinkler system is not equipped with an individual shut-off valve, you may need to shut off the main water supply. Due to this reason, it is recommended to install an individual shutoff valve when installing a commercial fire sprinkler system. This will help in emergency situations.
Method 02: Using Fire Sprinkler Shut-Off Tool
Another method for turning off commercial fire sprinkler systems is to utilize a fire sprinkler shut-off device. This is a specialized tool that can be used to quickly and easily shut off the water flow to a specific sprinkler head.
It’s great for when the system needs to be shut down in an emergency situation. Using a shutoff tool is the best option when your main shut-off valve is not easily accessible or located too far away.
To use the shut-off tool, first, locate the specific sprinkler head that needs to be shut off. Then, insert the tool between the sprinkler head and the supply line.
Once the trigger has been pressed, the clamp will be released, and the water flow will be turned off. In an emergency situation, this is an easy and quick way to turn off a commercial fire sprinkler system.
It is beneficial to place a shut-off tool in every sprinkler system head so that it can be easily used in case of an emergency.
One limitation to using a shut-off tool is that the flow of water will resume when the tool is removed. Therefore, you should use this tool for an emergency shut-off and turn off the main shut-off valve as soon as possible. Then you need to replace the sprinkler head or repair the system.
Why Does My Fire Sprinkler System Not Shut Off After Closing the Shut-Off Valve?
If the fire sprinkler system does not switch off upon shutting off the control valve, there may be a problem with the shut-off valve. The most common reason for this is that the valve is partially closed.
If your fire sprinkler system shut-off valve does not close completely, it could be due to various reasons. There is a possibility that the inner mechanism of the valve is deteriorated and needs to be replaced.
Foreign objects may obstruct the valve. There may be corrosion on the valve, and it needs to be cleaned. It is possible that the valve is loose and needs to be tightened. If you are unsure of the cause, it is always advisable to seek professional assistance.
You may be able to resolve the issue in a few ways. Inspect the valve for foreign objects that may be causing it to stick. If the valve is corroded, you should try to clean it. Ensure that the valve is tightened if it is loose. It may be necessary to replace the valve if you can still close it.
When Should I Test My Fire Sprinkler System to Prevent Accidental Malfunctions?
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that an automatic fire sprinkler system should be tested at least once a year to prevent any accidental malfunctions. This is because, over time, the various components of the system can become corroded or worn out, which may lead to the sprinklers not working as intended.
While it may require some effort and money to have the system inspected and serviced regularly, it is definitely worth it in the long run when you consider the potential consequences of not doing so.
Along with an annual test, you should also perform a monthly visual check of the system. This involves checking all of the sprinkler heads to ensure that they are not obstructed in any way.
You should also check the main shut-off valve to ensure it is working properly. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it is always best to consult a professional to have the system checked out.
Easily Shut Off Faulty Sprinklers and Save Water and Your Property
Hopefully, you now understand both methods how to shut off a commercial fire sprinkler system. Depending on the situation, both methods are effective. Just remember to stay calm and follow the instructions.
In an emergency situation, every second counts. Try to shut off the system as quickly as possible to minimize water exposure. After using the shut-off tool, remember to close the main shut-off valve.
Immediately replace or repair the malfunctioning sprinkler heads. To prevent accidental malfunctions, it is essential to check the system annually. Afterward, you can enjoy fire protection without experiencing any unusual malfunctions.
