When Does Exterior Pipe Rust Get a Red Tag?

7/1/2024

When should a red tag be issued for exterior rust on a sprinkler system?

The rust has heavy flaking especially around the weld-o-lets. NFPA 25 leaves a vague interpretation and I just need something a little more concrete to make sure we are covering ourselves. Thanks in advance.

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3 Comments

Glenn Berger

7/1/2024 08:25:15 am

Once flaking is discovered then it should be further investigated and then tagged.

Dan Wilder

7/1/2024 08:28:23 am

Rust on the exterior of a pipe isn't an impairment by itself so technically, never. If the spot is actively leaking (NFPA describes it as flowing or spraying), that would be the trigger for a Red tag. Slow drips (subjective I know) or externally damp would only be a Yellow.

In the lesser case, a recommendation of an internal pipe inspection would be warranted for that area along with justifying notes as to why (Upon visual inspection of pipe located at "___", it is noted that there is no active leak however excessive rust and scale is noted at the "fitting/weld/pipe" and should be investigated further by internal and/or spot specific inspection for this location - issued yellow tag for notes and see accompanying pictures).

This identifies the issue, the current state at time of inspection from the level and visual point of reference of the inspector (hopefully from the ground), and the recommendation to assess for further remediation and this should cover yourself. If the owner decides not to pursue, that is their prerogative. Doesn't mean a lawyer won't beat you up over it, just that you've shown due diligence.

Jack G

7/1/2024 10:45:07 am

Cast iron fittings rust thru. Pipe o lets are steel and rusts. Pinhole leaks are the first sign of advanced rusting. Threads are the weak point of a sprinkler system that contains them. Flaking is a good indication that the fitting and or piping is impaired.
Malleable iron fittings generally only surface rust and not thru. ( Eiffel Tower was the wonder of the world — not rusting thru — worlds fair 1889 made from puddle iron, protected from oxidation by paint) so unless the threads near it were rusted, I would not expect impairment.
On wet systems, corrosion occurs near pockets of trapped air and dry systems at low points. So wet systems should have automatic air vents to help this.
Grounding could cause rusting but systems are not allowed to be grounded due to damage from electrical surges.

A 5 year internal ( NFPA 25) should keep sprinkler systems in the spotlight for rusting.

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When Does Exterior Pipe Rust Get a Red Tag?

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