Seven Types Of NYC Fire Sprinkler System Repairs

The fire sprinkler system heads we see above us in so many public spaces are there to keep us safe from a fire. We take for granted that these systems are life savers and not just building-code requirements. These fire suppression systems are sophisticated systems delivering a very basic service: water to extinguish a fire. And because these systems are not constantly active, but rather they lay in wait for the unexpected to strike, their maintenance and repair are critical functions during down time.

The Seven Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems

  • Wet pipe systems—are the most commonly experienced fire suppression system in use today. Wet pipe systems supply pressurized water through pipes and to sprinkler heads installed throughout the building. When a fire is detected, the sprinkler heads in the affected areas activate and rain water down on the fire. Wet pipe systems are effective, reliable, and easy to maintain.
  • Dry pipe systems—probably the second-most-common type of fire suppression system in use today. These systems do not hold water within the pipes, which could burst if they ever froze. A positive air pressure is maintained in the pipe to keep closed a check valve to prevent water intrusion from other sources, like other pipes. Dry pipe systems are most often used in facilities that go unheated during cold winter weather (like parking garages). When a fire is detected, a valve releases the air pressure within the system, and that allows water to flow freely to extinguish the fire.
  • Deluge systems—a fire suppression system where all the sprinkler heads that are connected to the water deliver pipes “open” (i.e., not individually activated). No water is present in the pipes on a constant basis, like a dry pipe system. When a separate fire detection system detects a fire, it sends a signal to open a valve and lets water freely on the fire.
  • Pre-action systems—are specially activated systems used in such facilities as museums and libraries. Pre-action systems combine the features wet, dry, and deluge systems to protect valuable installations from accidental or indiscriminate fire suppression methods.
  • Foam water sprinkler systems—uses a mixture of foam and water through special nozzles to encapsulate a burning transformer, fuel tank, or vehicle.
  • Water spray—similar to foam water sprinkler systems, but spraying only water.
  • Water mist systems—sprays tiny droplets of water into the atmosphere where a fire is present. The effect is to cool the atmosphere and reduce heat damage from the fire.

Allstate Sprinkler has an extensive repair team of skilled mechanics that are experienced in above- and below-ground system repairs. Fire sprinkler systems plumbing repairs like freeze-ups, ruptures, leaks, or rusted valves and sprinkler heads are just some of the repairs Allstate Sprinkler can fix. Allstate is expert in mechanical repairs to valves, sprinkler heads, standpipes and hydrants, water tanks and pumps. Allstate Sprinklers are the experienced experts in New York City for fire sprinkler system inspection, repair, and maintenance.

Contact us here at Allstate Sprinkler if you think that you’re New York City sprinkler system needs to be looked at or repaired today!

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4 Commercial Fire Safety Tips For The Summer

If you’re looking for a commercial sprinkler system that will work to protect the safety of you and your loved ones, you’ve come to the right place.  Sprinkler systems in residential areas in and around Brooklyn, NY are very complex, specialized, and are a part of the NYC standard fire code. Always working to keep you safe, Allstate Sprinkler Corp. is your go-to team if you live in or around the Brooklyn area for any of your commercial or residential fire sprinkler installations, inspections, and repairs.

Be safe and responsible by always taking the correct precautions during a fire hazard. Stay vigilant, and learn what you can do to find safety from a fire, before it’s too late. It’s always important to stay prepared for any type of emergency, and beat the ready ready.

A Few Tips to Remember:
1. Stop what you’re doing, and go: When it comes to a commercial fire in Brooklyn, timing is everything. If you find yourself in a commercial fire, do not take the time to collect any of your personal belongings. Time is precious, and the most important thing is to use it in order to get out of the building as soon as possible. Take the proper precautions necessary as you find the easiest access to an exit out.

2. Do not use any elevators: There are many buildings located in Brooklyn and throughout the city that have access to elevators for an easy exit; however, it’s very important that during an emergency such as a commercial fire, you should take the stairs as an emergency exit. This will help to prevent people from being trapped or wasting time waiting for an elevator. A fire will not wait for you, so you should not waste time waiting for the elevator; take the stairs or nearest fire escape available to you.

3. Follow the emergency action plan (EAP): It’s very important that if you’re working in a commercial building in Brooklyn or anywhere in NYC, that you know the set emergency exit plan for your location. It’s important that every person knows and follows the EAP, for in an emergency fire situation, chances are that crowding can occur when trying to find the exit. Following the EAP will help to ensure that you and everyone around you get out of the commercial building as quickly and efficiently as possible.

4. Stop, drop, & roll: If you ever find yourself in a fire situation that you can’t get yourself out of, remember these three words. Remember, hot air rises. If you’ve found yourself in a room that is filling up with smoke and you’re finding it difficult to breathe, you should get on your hands and knees and crawl to the nearest exit. The lower you are to the ground, the easier it will become to breathe. Through the rolling action, you’ll be able to take out a fire that may have caught onto your clothes.

Our services include, but are not limited to, the following:
•    Complete installations and alterations of fire sprinkler and standpipe systems
•    Prompt correction of all fire department violations
•    Five year hydrostatic pressure tests, emergency service and repairs
•    Fire pump testing and installations
•    Fire extinguisher sales and service
•    All fire safety products and equipment

Our commitment is to assist you with all of your commercial fire protection needs this summer.  If you think there may be a problem with your commercial sprinkler system, contact us at Allstate, and we will send in the best of the best to help you fix you system as quickly as possible. Call us at: 718.597.4060.

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Waiting For Your Sprinkler’s Hydrostatic Pressure Test In NYC?

Anyone who knows or owns real estate also knows that one of the top priorities toward maintaining a property is safety. As a property manager or building owner, you’re responsibilities include making sure that all aspects of your property meet the proper health codes and safety standards; including a fire sprinkler and standpipe system.

One of the best ways to ensure a properly functioning fire sprinkler and standpipe system is the Five year hydrostatic pressure test. The five year hydrostatic pressure text in NYC is crucial to avoiding any emergencies, such as fire related casualties or property damage; and our team at Allstate Sprinkler Corp promise that you don’t have to do it alone! All of us at Allstate Sprinkler Corporation will gladly help you to achieve your fire sprinkler and standpipe system safety goals.

Allstate Sprinkler Corporation is recognized as one of the most reliable, responsive & respected fire sprinkler contractors in the New York City metropolitan area (Located in the Bronx). One of our many services that we offer at Allstate Sprinkler Corp is your first hydrostatic pressure test, so you don’t have to worry.

What is a hydrostatic pressure test?
In the simplest of terms, the hydrostatic pressure test confirms that your fire sprinkler and standpipe components are working properly and are acceptable for fire department use. More specifically, the test is performed every 5 years to verify that:

•    The piping has been put together properly
•    There are no leaks
•    The fire department connection can withstand the highest pressure that the system is likely to experience.

The test is completed by applying hydrostatic pressure to the fire department connection and maintaining the pressure for up to 2 hours. The hydrostatic pressure test can only be performed by a Master Fire Suppression Contractor who has a Class A or B license issued by the NYC Department of Buildings, such as Allstate Sprinkler Corporation.

Why is a hydrostatic pressure test necessary?
Well, aside from the points mentioned above, maintaining your system is crucial if you’re trying to avoid any fire related casualties and property damage. The five year hydrostatic pressure test in New York City will not only let us know that your system is working properly, but will give us the results you need keep your building safe for your tenants and piece of mind. The FDNY will issue a violation if you do not receive a hydrostatic pressure test for your fire sprinkler system in New York City.

How do I prepare for the Five year hydrostatic pressure test?
To help you prepare for your upcoming Fire Department test, our team at Allstate Sprinkler Corporation recommends for you to schedule a pre-test prior to your test date in order for you to verify that your system is ready to pass inspection. A pre-test for your sprinkler system in New York City is a simulation of the Fire Department test, without the Fire Department being present. This allows us to make any necessary repairs toward your system so you can be sure it passes the test in the presence of the Fire

Department inspector. Allstate Sprinkler Corporation will go to your location to perform the pre-test, and notify you as soon as possible with our recommendations. Pending your approval, we will make the necessary repairs to your sprinkler system and re-test until the test is successful; this will ultimately limit the risk of failing your hydrostatic pressure test – saving you time, money and frustration from repeat tests and additional paperwork. To learn more about what the test involves, feel free to check out our website!

Why Allstate Sprinkler Corporation’ hydrostatic sprinkler test?
At Allstate Sprinkler Corp, we are recognized as an industry leader working on significant projects spanning the entire NYC metropolitan area and have earned an outstanding reputation with the FDNY. You can contact us at: 718-597-0090 before your next scheduled five year hydrostatic pressure test and you’ll be sure to pass with flying colors!

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5 Year Sprinkler Test; Protecting The Manhattan Area

Protecting your property in Manhattan during the case of a fire is one of the top priorities for both the FDNY and all property owners. The five year sprinkler test is just one way the FDNY can ensure that all standpipe and sprinkler systems stay up-to-date. Nothing can be as costly as even a small fire. Even just the smoke from a fire can cause damage to textiles and other goods; meanwhile a fire can cause the most terrible structural damage.

Having a fire sprinkler and standpipe system near your home in Manhattan is the best way to protect your property from the case of a fire. To ensure the sprinkler system is in top shape during any case of an emergency, it is necessary to have your sprinkler system checked regularly. At Allstate Sprinkler Corp, we would be more than happy toward assisting you in your efforts to comply with the FDNY five year test.

Here, we’ve provided this suggested guide for how often you’ll need to check your sprinkler system, and what you’ll need in order to check your sprinkler and standpipe system in order to be sure you’re ready for the five year test:

Monthly:

  • Inspect the valves of the system once a month, making sure they’re in the open position, easily accessible; not blocked by any debris or locked
  • Tighten any loose connections
  • Check all pipes for signs of leaks or corrosion
  • Check the air gauges and water gauges to ensure the correct pressure is maintained for proper operation
  • Compare the gauge reading to the instruction manual. The water gauge, generally, should read between 50 psi to 100 psi in order to pass the FDNY five year test

Quarterly:

  • Inspect all alarm devices for fresh batteries and ensure they are in good working condition.
  • Check all fire department attachments to the system for signs of leaks or damage. (This is especially important for the five year test).
  • Contact Allstate Sprinkler Corp or the New York City Fire department if signs of damage toward your sprinkler system in Manhattan are apparent.
  • Open the inspector’s test valve slowly until water begins to drip out. Listen for the alarm bell from the system, when the alarm bell sounds, close the valve.

Annually:

  • Inspect the sprinkler heads for damage such as rust or bending,
  • Pour water down the main drain to ensure that it is not clogged
  • Turn off the water to the system and make sure it lives up to the FDNY’s five year test standards
  • Open and close all the valves to ensure they have the correct range of motion

Remember that sprinkler check-ups aren’t the only things you should keep up with for the five year test; at Allstate Sprinkler Corp, we’re here to remind you that a fire-safety system in Manhattan has many parts that all need to be working at all times—after all, fire waits for no man. If you have a standpipe in the building, a building employee must obtain a certificate of fitness for the standpipe.

Our management staff at Allstate Sprinkler Corp offers an unprecedented level of experience handling the preparation for the five year test as well as other sprinkler and standpipe needs. Allstate Sprinkler Corp. is a licensed Master Fire Suppression Contractor with the New York City building department. Providing our customers with cost-effective, professional and reliable service is our priority. We hope that you will contact us at 718-597-4060, and become a part of our family customer base!

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Fire Sprinkler Systems Near Queens

How important is the the five year sprinkler systems test in Queens? Very! Please be advised that the Queens Fire Prevention Ordinance requires that fire sprinkler systems and combination fire sprinkler/standpipe systems have a functionality test performed on each Fire Department Connection (FDC) by a licensed contractor every five years. The Queens Fire Marshal’s Office has begun notifying building owners of this requirement.

A building owner can choose to have the functionality test done independently or, if you’re performing alteration work in Queens, the County will allow the five year sprinkler test in Queens to take place at the same time as a final hydrostatic test. However, the functionality test must be registered and all associated fees must be paid at the same time.

Another important factor; the five year sprinkler test in Queens is required whether or not the building owner has received a letter from the County. Please take note that each fire department connections (FDC) must be tested and paid for separately; however, buildings with multiple FDCs can list each FDC being tested on one application.

If you’re testing a system that is not recognized in the Fire Marshal’s Office database, the Fire Marshal’s Office will allow you to register the system, provided that the system was installed before 1984 with proof of the system can be provided with any of the following documentation:
1.    A Water Service bill
2.    Building Department records
3.    Insurance company proof

Once the five year sprinkler test in Queens passes, a 5 (five) year sprinkler permit will be issued to the owner. Sure, a five year sprinkler testing in Queens is primarily performed to comply with NFPA regulations, insurance requirements, and to keep you out of trouble with the fire department (ahem, violations). But it also lets you know if your system is working properly.

If you’re having trouble following all of this, just call Allstate Sprinklers at: 718-597-4060, we’ll walk you through the entire process!
The types of tests that can be performed depend on the type of system you have. Different tests are performed to check your system’s functionality, as well as all the specific components of your system. For example:
•    2” Main Drain Test
•    Water Flow Alarm Device Test
•    Fire Pump Test
•    Dry Pipe Valve Trip Test
•    Hydrostatic 5 Year Functionality Test

The main drain test is required by NFPA25 to be performed annually to ensure the proper water supply is available at the system riser, detect changes in the water supply that may affect the sprinkler system’s performance, and confirm the drain valves are operational.
The water flow test is required by NFPA25 to be performed quarterly to ensure water flow detecting devices are operational, alarms are operational, and a signal is sent to and received by the central station (if connected).

The fire pump flow test is required by NFPA25 to be performed annually and measures the performance of the fire pump’s flow and pressure. The test is conducted by flowing water through hose streams connected to the test header. The test results are compared to the factory specifications and the test results from previous years. If there is a significant reduction in the pump’s performance, further examination is needed to make the necessary repairs.

The best way to ensure you are ready for a five year sprinkler test in Queens as well as all of the other Fire Department regulations is to contact a reputable fire safety company such as Allstate Sprinklers before you do anything else!

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Commercial Sprinkler System Inspection In Brooklyn

At Allstate Sprinkler Corporation, our fire sprinkler inspections help to evaluate and test your sprinkler system, assuring you that your facility is being maintained and able to function properly as it is designed to do in order to keep you safe.

Allstate Sprinklers Corporation works hard to provide services for buildings throughout the tri-state region, including inspections and tests that are able to provide you with the comfort and knowledge toward your working sprinkler system, ensuring that it has not been subject to any vandalism, deterioration, or any in-house maintenance problems.

How do accidents with your commercial sprinkler system happen?
Allstate Sprinklers will take the right preventative measures in order to avoid any problems that might cause issues toward your sprinkler system. If an accident were to occur with your sprinkler system near Brooklyn, it would most likely have been caused by:
• Extremely cold weather conditions
• Lack of heat
• In-house vandalism
• Other unfortunate accidents

It’s very important for you and your staff to know that your building is being properly protected by a sprinkler system that works, and how it works. Allstate Sprinkler Corporation is able to provide you with the proper demonstrations you and your staff need in order to learn about all of your sprinkler systems working components, as well as providing you with any information that you’ll need to know for safety purposes.

How do you know when something is wrong with your commercial sprinkler system?
Plumbing Malfunctions:
• Frozen fire sprinklers / standpipe lines
• Ruptured fire sprinkler lines
• Leaky fire hydrants
• Rusted valves / Rusted sprinkler heads
Mechanical Failures:
• Valves
• Sprinkler heads
• Standpipes
• Fire hydrants
• Water tanks
• Fire hoses
• Fire pumps

In order to stay compliant with FDNY fire code and building code in NYC, you should make sure to repair any mechanical failures immediately. This may include repairing valves, sprinkler heads, standpipes, fire hydrants, water tanks, fire hoses, and fire pumps. Don’t worry our repair division can help detect and repair the problem!

Working hard to stick up with the processes and handling of your sprinkler systems, Allstate Sprinkler Corporation will always be able to maintain your commercial sprinkler systems in order to stay fire ready and prepared to function as it is designed to do. If you wish to set up a new sprinkler system with Allstate, contact us here at 718-597-0090 today!

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A Residential Fire Sprinkler System Near Brooklyn

Looking for a residential sprinkler system that works to protect that safety of you and others around you? Sprinkler systems in residential areas in and around Brooklyn, NY are very complex, specialized, and are a part of the NYC standard fire code. Always working to keep you safe, Allstate Sprinkler Corp. is your go-to team if you live in or around the Brooklyn area for any of your commercial or residential fire sprinkler installations, inspections, and repairs.

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