Keep the sprinkler tank in good condition
Sprinkler tanks are everywhere - at industrial sites, department stores, warehouses and other buildings where good fire protection is required. They are available in a wide variety of designs in terms of wall materials, insulation or façade cladding. Sprinkler tanks are available in plastic and sheet steel, they can be round or square. Some are insulated and located outdoors above ground, others are uninsulated and located indoors. In shopping centers, it is not uncommon for the sprinkler tank to be buried under the building. What they all have in common is that they have to deliver on the day they are needed.
Are you sure your sprinkler tank is delivering?
*) Please note that all references to regulations, laws and authorities on the website apply to Sweden and Swedish conditions.
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Common problems:
- Corrosion
- Sediment at the bottom
- Leakage
Common problems with sprinkler tanks
A sprinkler tank is a necessary component of any fire protection system. This is obvious. Yet it is easy for the inspection and maintenance of sprinkler tanks to be overlooked. The law only requires tanks to be inspected every 10 years. This is a very long interval if the sprinkler tank is attacked by rust.
A common problem is corrosion. Corrosion can cause structural damage to the tank, making it unstable and even dangerous.
If the rust is allowed to run rampant, the tank can burst and leak. If the tank is outside, the water leak may not cause much damage. But is there enough water left to extinguish a fire?
A leaking indoor sprinkler tank can cause expensive water damage. In the worst case scenario, it may not be possible to use the premises for some time, which can also be costly.
Another problem is sediment and debris accumulating at the bottom of the tank. If the alarm goes off and the sprinkler system is activated, there is a high risk of sediment being sucked in and blocking the water supply.
What causes problems in sprinkler tanks?
Both the design of the tank and the water in it can contribute to corrosion and sediment.
For example, stainless steel pipes in a sheet steel sprinkler tank can cause galvanic corrosion. Acidic rainwater can lower the water's pH and increase the risk of corrosion.
Water with high oxygen content can also accelerate corrosion. If the water in the tank comes from a lake or the municipal water network, it has a relatively high oxygen content. The presence of microorganisms in the water also increases the risk of microbial growth. Bacteria and algae are known to thrive in moist and dark environments.