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Introduction to Fire Sprinkler System Relining

Fire sprinkler systems may succumb to corrosion and damage over time, thereby reducing their efficiency. Traditionally, the solution was to completely replace the old system, an expensive and disruptive process. Relining fire sprinkler systems has emerged as a cost-effective alternative that enhances safety without the major construction work.

Relining entails applying a protective coating inside the system’s pipes and fittings, preserving the existing infrastructure. Various linings, including epoxy, cement, and polyethylene, are employed to avert additional corrosion and significantly extend the system’s lifespan.

As Sydney’s leading plumbing provider since 2013, Miranda Plumbing has extensive expertise in rehabilitating ageing fire sprinkler systems in homes and businesses across Miranda and surrounding regions. We utilize industry-leading CuraFlo and LifeLast linings for durable corrosion control, with a robust 10-year guarantee.

Contact our team today for more information on fire sprinkler system relining – the best way to sidestep replacement costs while ensuring ongoing fire protection.

Benefits of Relining Over Full Replacement

Compared to total replacement, relining a fire sprinkler system offers numerous advantages:

  • Cost Savings – Relining pipes and fittings costs around 50% less on average than installing entirely new pipework.
  • Minimal Downtime – The relining process typically involves days, as opposed to weeks of disruption.
  • Reduced Disruption – Relining generally allows building operations to continue unaffected.
  • Efficiency – Epoxy coatings protect against pinhole leaks, ensuring unimpeded circulation of water.
  • Assured Performance – Our CuraFlo and LifeLast relining products are backed by a 10-year guarantee.

Avoiding large-scale construction by choosing relining makes the process faster, more affordable and less intrusive without compromising safety.

Identifying When a Sprinkler System Needs Relining

There are several warning signs that indicate a fire sprinkler system may require protective relining to extend its lifespan:

Visible Corrosion and Damage

Inspect pipes and fittings regularly for any visible rust, wear, or damage. Exterior corrosion often indicates more significant internal problems. Leaks and water pressure loss can arise from pitting and pinholes in pipes.

Frequent Leaks

Persistent minor leaks or abrupt major ruptures often mean that the pipes are excessively corroded and require repair. Even minor leaks reduce system water pressure and increase risk.

Falling Water Pressure

Over time, internal corrosion fills pipes with debris and mineral deposits, which can lead to significant flow restrictions. This restriction lowers water pressure, putting fire suppression capacity at risk.

Age Over 30 Years

Industry standards recommend proactive rehabilitation after around 30 years. Older systems become corrosion-prone irrespective of outward appearance or if there had been any recent issues.

It’s advisable to schedule an inspection after 20+ years to proactively identify any issues. Proactive relining can avert future failures and costly repairs.

Contact Miranda Plumbing to arrange an assessment if you notice any above signs. Our specialists will diagnose issues and recommend suitable CuraFlo or LifeLast relining where needed.

Methods and Technologies for Relining Sprinkler Systems

There are several proven techniques Miranda Plumbing uses to reline old and damaged fire sprinkler systems that no longer provide reliable fire suppression.

Epoxy relining stands as the predominant and most effective technique.

Our experts employ NuFlow 7000, a rigid epoxy lining material certified for potable water systems. Following pipe cleaning, technicians apply a primer and a 50 mil thick epoxy resin liner. Once cured, the epoxy protects against further internal corrosion and improves water flow.

NuFlow 7000, listed by ICC-ES, meets National Fire Protection Association standards, assuring performance.

Cement Lining

Cement mortar relining is another option for steel sectional pipes over 2 inches in diameter. It involves blowing compressed air through the piping to remove loose rust and debris before a cement lining 30 mils thick is applied in place of epoxy.

Cement lining offers slightly lower flow rates than epoxy but remains effective for decades and costs less per linear foot.

Polyethylene Pipe Lining

We can also reline fire sprinkler pipes using polyethylene tubing. After cleaning, we insert flexible PE tubing inflated under pressure to form a tight seal against interior walls. Suitable for pipes under 6 inches diameter, this creates a seamless barrier inside old pipework.

Epoxy Pipe Lining

Epoxy relining is considered the premier standard for rehabilitating corroded fire sprinkler systems. This rigid epoxy barrier inhibits microbial-influenced corrosion (MIC) and enhances water flow efficiency.

Epoxy products, such as NuFlow 7000, boast a strong track record of efficacy for potable water systems. When installed 50 mils thick according to code, the epoxy lining provides guaranteed protection against leaks, pits, tubercles, and pinholes for at least 10 years.

The process involves thoroughly cleaning the fire sprinkler pipes and fittings before a two-part epoxy primer and resin are applied. The epoxy cures to form a seamless barrier optimised for sprinkler system water flow rates.

Epoxy relining avoids the need to replace expensive pipe networks and sprinkler heads while ensuring the existing system can continue providing reliable fire suppression for decades to come.

Contact Miranda Plumbing to learn more about epoxy solutions for your fire sprinkler system relining needs in the Miranda region.

Relining Material Options

The optimal relining material depends on factors like the sprinkler tank construction, system size, water chemistry and required flow rates.

Epoxy

Epoxy is compatible with all common sprinkler tanks materials - steel, concrete, galvanised iron and fibreglass reinforced plastic (GRP). It provides excellent corrosion control for municipal water supplies.

Cement Mortar

Cement linings perform well in larger diameter steel pipelines, handling high flow rates. Cement resists microbiological corrosion from non-potable water sources.

Polyethylene

PE pipe lining is ideal for small diameter pipes, up to about 15 centimetres, carrying water at low to moderate pressures. PE offers effective corrosion protection and is quick to install.

Miranda Plumbing will evaluate your specific needs such as tank design, pipe layouts, water type, and current corrosion, to devise a tailored relining strategy. We support our CuraFlo epoxy, LifeLast cement, and polyethylene linings with decade-long guarantees.

Contact our team to select the best relining material for your fire sprinkler system’s tanks and pipes, to suit your own operational needs.

Compliance Standards for Relined Fire Sprinklers

It is crucial that any relining work on fire sprinkler systems adheres to all relevant codes and standards. The certifying body for fire protection products in Australia is the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES).

The ICC-ES evaluates technical documentation for relining materials, such as epoxy coatings, confirming compliance with Australian and international standards. These standards ensure sprinkler tanks need to meet criteria such as bond strength, flow characteristics, chemical resistance and application thickness.

systems relined with ICC-ES certified products to include fire sprinkler tank requirements like NuFlow 7000 remain compliant with AS2118, satisfying rules around minimum water pressures and flow rates. This confirms ongoing safe and reliable fire suppression capacity.

LPC rules also mandate that relining work on fire sprinkler systems must be completed by a licenced sprinkler contractor. At Miranda Plumbing, our specialists hold formal Local Water Authority registration for working on fire protection pipe networks.

Engaging our ICC-ES accredited team ensures your project complies with all relevant technical, safety, and regulatory standards.

Routine Inspections and Preventative Maintenance

There is no strict timeframe dictating how often fire sprinkler systems need to be relined. However, routine inspections and maintenance are vital for identifying issues before they escalate into major problems.

An annual visual inspection of all system components is recommended. Look for any leaks, corrosion, mineral buildup or other damage. Testing water pressure and flow rates is also crucial to identify any emerging restrictions.

inspections, basic preventative maintenance helps avoid corrosion and system failures:

  • Flush water through drain valves to prevent stagnant water
  • Check and adjust water pressure regularly
  • Clean and lubricate components like valves, pumps and gauges
  • Inspect and replace old seals, gaskets and sprinkler heads

While relining may be required only every 10 to 30 years, regular maintenance protects system integrity and minimizes long-term costs. It also ensures your fire sprinklers remain capable of full fire suppression whenever needed.

Get in touch with Miranda Plumbing to discover the best way to maintain your fire sprinkler system’s efficiency.

Ensuring the Effectiveness of Fire Sprinkler Systems

Maintaining the efficacy of fire sprinkler systems for fire suppression necessitates proactive maintenance and rehabilitation. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), water supply issues account for nearly 30% of reported sprinkler system failures.

Relining aged pipework and water tank fittings circumvents total system replacement, reinstating corrosion resistance and optimal water delivery. Certified CuraFlo epoxy and LifeLast cement linings from Miranda Plumbing provide affordable long-term sprinkler protection.

We recommend the following practises to maintain fire sprinkler effectiveness:

  • Annual inspections to check for leaks, corrosion and mineral buildup
  • System testing to verify adequate water pressure and flow
  • Preventative maintenance like flushing stagnant water and lubricating components
  • Proactive rehabilitation of corrosion-prone sections

Strategic relining of select sections forestalls extensive failures, preserving compliance and ensuring fire safety.

Contact us for expert advice on keeping your fire sprinkler system reliably operational year after year, email the team at Miranda Plumbing today or call us on 1300 349 338 to book an appointment.

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