We had an insured account suffer a sprinkler leakage loss when the sprinkler system was charged with water and a sprinkler leaked.
Wouldn't the above-ground hydrostatic test have discovered this? I know the hydrostatic test is intended to discover leaks in pipes but shouldn't it also identify leaking sprinklers? The general contractor and sprinkler contractor are having to replace multiple thousands of sprinklers in these buildings. I appreciate your input! Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
16 Comments
Fred
12/6/2021 06:01:43 am
NFPA 13 allows hydrostatic testing with sprinklers in or out. Possible that system was a tested with plugs instead of sprinklers.
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Anthony
12/6/2021 07:50:15 am
Only pendant and side wall head outlets can be plugged and tested. However Its bad practice to not at least run an air test on the system after heads have been installed. If for no other reason than to ensure you didn't miss a head during install. That MIGHT have helped avoid this problem.
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Dan Wilder
12/6/2021 07:52:12 am
There is a lot of info needed to make a better reply.
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Glenn Berger
12/6/2021 08:11:57 am
Simple answer to the original question.
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Jesse
12/6/2021 08:18:33 am
A lot of variables here.
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A lot of good comments above.
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Greg
12/6/2021 08:57:10 am
A root cause investigation is needed. As in many of the replies above, various factors appear plausible but there should be a narrowing of these to accurately determine cause.
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Brad K
12/6/2021 10:05:10 am
I for one would appreciate a code reference for hydrostatic testing with plugs mentioned above. I myself do not recognize hydrostatic testing without the sprinkler installed as one certifying a system by state statute. NFPA 13 & 25 defines a hydrostatic test on pipe with attached appurtenances. I would consider the sprinkler an attachment. Even an act of adjusting more than 20 sprinklers requires a new hydrostatic test per NFPA 25 5.5.1.
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Brad K
12/6/2021 10:11:29 am
Sorry Greg.
HJ
12/9/2021 10:18:15 am
Agreed.
Steve monroe
12/12/2021 01:36:11 pm
30 yrs in sprinkler trade.I would have to say a hydro test without the heads installed is not a solid point of the final outcome of the hydro in the first place.
Mike
12/6/2021 09:44:26 am
I've had leaks from manufacturing defects the manufacturer withheld until after we complained about them.
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Jack G
12/6/2021 11:57:07 am
Always hydro with heads installed.
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sean
12/6/2021 12:24:33 pm
something really went wrong with this. I don't see how replacing tons of heads could not have been caught during any of the pre-testing.
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Dan Wilder
12/6/2021 01:20:32 pm
Testing with plugs:
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Donnie
8/22/2023 07:48:11 pm
Can a pressure washer cause enough damage to upright QR glass bulb sprinkler heads that would cause an activation of a dry system. 6 heads were found to be fused on a dry pipe system that was being placed back into service?
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