Questions and answers
Fire sprinkler servicing questions, answered.
Everything the person responsible for a building tends to ask about sprinkler servicing, inspection, testing and repairs, and the standards behind them.
Servicing and inspection
The basics.
How often does my sprinkler system need servicing?
A fire sprinkler system needs a competent annual service at minimum, alongside routine checks through the year. BS 9251 for residential and domestic systems, and BS EN 12845 for larger systems, both set out weekly, quarterly and annual checks. Some buildings are on a more frequent schedule set by their fire strategy or insurer. We tell you which applies to your building.
What does a sprinkler service and inspection include?
A full service covers a visual inspection of heads, pipework and valves, a water supply check, sprinkler flow testing and valve testing, pump duty analysis where a pump is fitted, and alarm and flow switch testing. We then return the system to full readiness and issue a certificate, with a written report within 24 hours. The full eight-step service is set out here.
Do you carry out sprinkler repairs and fault finding?
Yes. As well as servicing we carry out fire sprinkler repairs, sprinkler fault finding and sprinkler head replacement. Small repairs are often handled on the service visit; anything larger gets a clear quote, with the urgency set by what the building needs rather than what we would like to sell.
What is the difference between wet and dry sprinkler systems?
A wet sprinkler system holds water in the pipework at all times, ready to discharge. A dry sprinkler system holds pressurised air and is used where pipes could freeze, such as unheated car parks and roof spaces. We service and test both wet and dry sprinkler systems.
What happens if my system fails a test?
We tell you plainly what is wrong and what it needs. Where we can put it right on the visit, we do. Where it needs more, you get a clear quote and, if the fault leaves the system impaired, practical advice on interim measures while it is fixed.
Standards and the law
Compliance.
What is BS EN 12845 and does it apply to my building?
BS EN 12845 is the British and European Standard covering the design and maintenance of automatic sprinkler systems, typically the larger BS EN 12845 sprinkler systems found in some blocks, student accommodation and mixed-use buildings. A BS EN 12845 inspection confirms the system still delivers the flow, pressure and coverage it was designed to.
What is BS 9251, and how is it different from BS EN 12845?
BS 9251 is the British Standard for fire sprinkler systems in residential and domestic buildings: houses, flats, apartments, care homes and residential blocks. BS EN 12845 covers larger systems. The main difference is the type and scale of building. We service and inspect both to the standard your system was installed under.
Who is legally responsible for fire sprinkler maintenance?
The responsible person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, usually the building owner, freeholder or managing agent. Article 17 requires fire safety equipment to be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair. The annual sprinkler service and certificate are how you evidence that, and the Fire Safety Act 2021 reinforces the duty.
How quickly do I get my certificate and report?
We issue your certificate once the service is complete, and a full written report follows within 24 hours of completing the service, ready to drop straight into your fire safety file.
Your building type
Flats, care homes and more.
Do flats and apartments need sprinkler servicing?
Yes. Where a block of flats or apartment building has a sprinkler system it needs servicing at least once a year, normally to BS 9251. The duty sits with whoever holds responsibility for the common parts, usually the freeholder or managing agent. See our page on high-rise and flats.
Do care homes need sprinkler servicing?
Yes. New care homes are now built with sprinklers, and existing care home sprinkler systems still need an annual service to stay compliant with the Fire Safety Order 2005 and to satisfy insurers. We plan care home visits around residents and shifts.
Do you service housing association and landlord sprinkler systems?
Yes. We work with housing associations, block management, landlords and student accommodation providers across the North West, servicing residential sprinkler systems on a schedule that suits the building and its residents.
Do you commission new or new-build sprinkler systems?
Our specialism is servicing, inspection, testing and repairs of existing residential sprinkler systems. For sprinkler commissioning on new or new-build sprinkler systems, speak to us first: we can point you to the right people, including our parent company Dry Risers Direct, and then take on the ongoing maintenance.
Working with us
Contracts and coverage.
What areas do you cover?
We are a North West fire sprinkler company covering Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside. That includes fire sprinkler maintenance in Manchester, sprinkler servicing in Liverpool, Wilmslow and Macclesfield, fire sprinkler engineers in Bolton, and contractors across the wider North West. See the areas we cover.
Do you offer a sprinkler maintenance contract?
Yes. A sprinkler maintenance contract keeps your annual service and interim checks on schedule so nothing lapses. We can take over an existing contract from another contractor and pick up your renewal dates.
Can you take over sprinkler servicing from our current contractor?
Yes. Switching is straightforward. We review your last service records and certificates, confirm the standard your system runs to, and put you on a maintenance schedule without a gap in compliance.
How much does sprinkler servicing cost?
It depends on the size and type of system and the building. Tell us the building and the system and we come back within 24 hours with a real quote, not a holding email.
Still have a question?
Ask us about your system.
Tell us the building and the system. We come back within 24 hours with a quote and a date.