Winterizing Dry Sprinkler Systems
Winter happens, and pipes freeze and break unless they have b
een winterized!
We recomend that winterization of dry sprinkler systems be conducted between September and November.
Why? Throughout the year water vapour builds up inside the sprinkler piping, this vapour condenses and collects on the walls of the pipes. The system’s piping is designed to drain to various low drain points through the building. This water collects at the low points and will freeze if the water drops below 0*C. When water freezes it expands with enough force to split sprinkler pipes.
N.F.P.A. Standard 25 states:
13.4.4.3 Maintenance
13.4.4.3.2 Auxiliary drains in dry pipe sprinkler systems shall be drained after each operation of the system, before the onset of freezing weather conditions, and thereafter as needed.