Internal pipe inspection

[coarts]

If you have a multi story apt building with one combined riser and zoned per floor, does NFPA 25 require internal pipe inspection every five years for the one whole system, or is it "every other system" meaning each alternate floor zone?

 

[pipesnpumps]

If the system riser is upstream of the floor control valves and flow indication, then I interpret that the whole building is one wet pipe system.

Opinions may vary, but I say the NFPA 13 to NFPA 24 "break" occurs at the base of the first system riser.

Real world knowledge doesn't fall out of the sky on a parachute, but rather is gained in small increments during moments of panic or curiosity.

 

[NJ1]

In this case you must performed the following:
Internally inspect all check valves, alarm valves even wafer check valves, then go to must remote end of line of the system and remove most remote sprinkler and end cap to ensure no debris are found.

NFPA 25 does not define or indicates that you must do the same for each zone but as far as code of ethics goes I will do the same on each floor to be safe.
In a single riser one story building is just the one floor.

 

[ContractorDave]

NJ1

How do you go about informing your client that the upcoming 5th year inspection will be four times the price of last years inspection? Or do you build this into a contract that is at least five years long?

Regards
Dave

 

[fireguy519345]

We have run into a similar situation with smoke detectors and the required sensitivity testing. We test 20% per year. That way, the cost is about the same each year.

Can the 5 year sprinkler test be done by testing 20% of the pipeing every year? Our experience has been that after the dry systems have been flushed, we find leaks in the piping, which leads to more expense. We have also found that we have to replace the 1" and 1.25" pipe because there is so much rust and scale.

 

[NJ1]

lightecho

I have never included this task on any of my contracts unless it calls for all inclusive just for may reasons.
1) Other contractors may argue the case just to make you look bad.
2) I am not doing other peoples foot work such as counting check valves, etc.
I always use the reverse statement while doing inspections. (please do not copy this approach as it may make you lots of money and legal revenue to your company)
" Unless proper documentation is provided a 5Th Year internal inspection SHALL be performed as required by NFPA 25 and Local codes"
This line never fails. I have being using this for over 17 years and 90% of the time customers can not provide reports within a 5 Year spam.