Code Basis for Re-use/Demo of Old Pipe?

2/11/2019

Is there a standard or code basis for when pipe is required to be replaced due to corrosion or loss in the pipe wall thickness?

It's usually to the building owner's benefit to examine or replace portions of pipe that are corroded, or consider full-system replacement when a renovation opportunity occurs. Just curious if there's a standard or code basis that would otherwise force pipe replacement.

Posted anonymously by a member for discussion. Discuss this | Subscribe

2 Comments

Wayne Ammons

2/11/2019 07:56:34 am

NFPA 25 outlines the requirements for inspection, testing, and/or replacement of piping for sprinkler systems. Below is a portion of NFPA 25, 2014 Edition, Chapter 14:

Chapter 14 Internal Piping Condition and Obstruction Investigation

14.1* General. This chapter shall provide the minimum requirements for conducting investigations of fire protection system piping for possible sources of materials that could
cause pipe blockage.

14.2 Assessment of Internal Condition of Piping.

14.2.1* An assessment of the internal condition of piping shall be conducted on a frequency determined by 14.2.1.1 or 14.2.1.2 for the purpose of inspecting for the presence of foreign organic and inorganic material.

14.2.1.1 An assessment of the internal condition of piping shall be conducted at a minimum of every 5 years or in accordance with 14.2.1.2 for the purpose of inspecting for the presence of foreign organic and inorganic material.

14.2.1.2* Where an assessment frequency has been established by an approved risk analysis, the assessment shall be performed at a frequency determined by the approved risk analysis.

Kelly

2/11/2019 10:55:33 am

There is no fire code/standard requirement for replacement of any systems (at least that I know of), and rightfully so. It should be on a case by case basis depending on the state of the system. Also depends on if the codes have changed, and the scale of the renovation the building is undergoing, if any, but that would be based on existing building codes.

In my experience, it is usually difficult to reuse sprinkler pipe branchlines (and sometimes mains) that are 20+ years old. It will be harder to make the connections due to corrosion and the system will be highly unlikely to pass the hydrostatic test. Make sure to look at the system, ask for the O&M documentation, and make an assessment based on the data available.

Free Signup

Subscribe and learn something new each day:

Community

Thank You to Our Top
October '20 Contributors!

1. SK
2. Franck
3. Dan W.
4. Jonathan 5. Casey M.

6. Sean
7. Colin L.
8. Mike
9. Jonathan J
10. Daniel G.

Your Post

SUBMIT A QUESTION

The Toolkit

Sprinkler Designer or Engineer?

Get all of our tools, including the Sprinkler Database, Friction Loss Calculator, Fire Pump Analyzer and more:

FREE 30-DAY TRIAL

GET THE TOOLKIT

Filters

Exam Prep

2020 PE Prep Guide
(Available Now!)

PE Prep Series
(Available Now!)

2020 PE Prep Series
Current Leaderboard
(Click to enlarge)

PE Problems

Visit July-October for daily Fire Protection PE Exam sample questions.

Solutions are posted the day after posting.

Comment with your solutions, questions or clarifications.

Please note that questions posted are unofficial and in accordance with NCEES rules are intended to be similar to actual exam questions, not actual exam questions themselves.

RSS Feed

Home - About - Blog - Contact - Exam Prep - Store

Copyright © 2020 MeyerFire, LLC
The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author shown and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a commission for orders placed elsewhere.