How to prevent your sprinkler system from freezing

Silhouette of workers in the tunnels.
Share this post

Apr 19, 2019

Installation of a Dry Sprinkler
Dry sprinklers are so named because there isn’t any water in the pipe barrel until the system needs to operate. Instead, the dry pipe sprinkler features a barrel with a seal at the connection point to the wet pipe sprinkler system. Water does not enter the barrel until the sprinkler operates which releases the seal. This keeps the part exposed to the freezing conditions dry and unable to freeze. Although this process is nothing new, we are discovering that some installations do not meet the minimum code requirements or manufacturer’s installation guidelines.

With dry type sprinklers, there are two main concerns with installation. The first area of concern is the length of the barrel and the second is the distance between the face of the fitting and the inside surface of the exterior wall or insulation, whichever is closer to the fitting.

Fire Sprinkler Pipe Insulation Matters
The second means of preventing a wet pipe sprinkler system from freezing is by insulating the sprinkler pipe. Using insulation over the sprinkler pipe traps the flow of warm from the adjacent spaces.

When the proposed sprinkler insulation installation method is not one of those prescribed by the NFPA, heat loss calculations are required to be performed by a professional engineer to verify that the system will not freeze.

There are nine different NFPA prescribed approaches dealing with sprinkler system freeze protection. Although the requirements for preventing a sprinkler system from freezing are clear, some designs and installations are overlooked, and you could end footing a repair bill that could be avoided. Identifying and correcting deficiencies prior to the completion of construction can potentially save you thousands of dollars in future repairs.

What’s been your experience with wet pipe fire sprinkler systems? Shoot us a note at info@jensenhughes.com or tweet us @jensenhughes

Sign up to receive the latest updates, news and insights from Jensen Hughes!

Connect With Us

Get In Touch

Contact

More blog posts from Jensen Hughes

Developing Cybersecurity Plans For The Marine Transportation System

Mar 7, 2025

Discover key insights on the U.S. Coast Guard's 2025 cybersecurity rule, its impact on vessels & facilities, and compliance guidance in this white paper.

New Business Risk – U.S. Designation of Mexican Drug Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

Feb 27, 2025

Understand the risks of the U.S. designating Mexican drug cartels as FTOs. Learn how to mitigate compliance challenges and protect your business operations.

Fire Investigations in Alaska and the Complications of the Cold Weather

Feb 17, 2025

Fire investigations in Alaska face extreme cold, ice fog, and equipment challenges. Learn how experts navigate these harsh conditions to determine fire origins and causes.