Sediment in a drop, cause for concern?

[SprinklerDesigner2]

I don't think so but....

About four months ago I conducted an inspection of a store where the wet pipe sprinkler system was maybe 15 years old. Changed the gauge out, rang the bells, performed an internal check valve inspection, looked the entire system over and everything looked good.

Hung a green tag and went on my merry way.

Last night one of the sprinkler heads developed a drip and the owner, after failing to get a hold of us, called a competitor to come fix it.

The fitter that was sent is also a state licensed inspector.

Taking the drop out he noticed a bit of sludge at the bottom, red tagged the system, called the owner, occupant, the local fire marshal and state fire marshal creating somewhat of a tempest in a teapot. His claim is the system was blocked up and would not function. He wanted to immediately flush the system.

Very concerned we went to the store today and removed an adjacent drop, the local fire marshal was with us, to see for ourselves how bad it was.

On the sprinkler seal we found maybe half a teaspoon of what I would call a very fine dark silty material that did not adhere and poured out when turning the drop upside down. I wouldn't think for a moment would keep water from discharging from an open head.

I think it was much ado about nothing, I've seen worse sludge in pipes taking water from a pond, and the local fire marshal concurred.

The material was very fine almost like a fine grit.

Comments?

 

[fireguy519345]

Your competitor does not like you. Has he said bad things about you before? Are you licensed to inspect sprinklers? Is a license required?

You could always ask him to remove a head, then flow the water. That would be proof positive, messy, but proof positive.

 

[ContractorDave]

That's a toughy. We've all seen how quickly sprinkler water turns brackish and has that wonderful aroma even after only a short time in steel systems. Depending upon who is doing the selling and who is being sold, it can probably be made out to be much worse than it is. NFPA 25 calls for an obstruction investigation every five years. If past inspection reports (if available) do not indicate when this has last been done, and the system is older than five years, is it incumbent upon you to do one now? Where you might have been done your site inspection in an hour, it's now going to take twice as long (or more).

Regards
Dave