Sprinkler trouble in a working restaurant
Restaurants usually find out about sprinkler problems in one of two ways: a head starts dripping over a booth or the prep line, or an inspection report comes back with a list of deficiencies that have to be fixed before the next visit. Either way, the fix can't wait. These are the repairs we see most often:
- Heads that leak, or that got bent by a ladder, a mop handle or stacked stock.
- Heads with paint, grease buildup or corrosion on them. NFPA 25 says to replace them.
- Missing escutcheons or cover plates on ceiling heads.
- Control valves found closed or partly closed.
- Gauges that read wrong or are due for replacement.
- Leaking fittings and pinholes in corroded pipe.
A replacement head has to match the one it replaces. That means the same response type, temperature rating, orifice size and coverage. A head over a fryer or next to the dish machine may need a higher temperature rating than one in the dining room, and putting in whatever head is on the shelf can turn one repair into a new deficiency.
Coastal air works on pipe and heads
Freezing isn't the problem here. San Clemente's August highs average about 79°F and December's about 64°F, so burst pipes from frost are not the usual repair. Salt air is. The city sits on the beach, and salty air reaches exposed piping, heads on patios and covered walkways, and the fire department connection outside. A corroded head gets replaced. On pipe, corrosion can show up first as a stain on a ceiling tile. Call before the stain spreads.
When a repair needs OCFA
San Clemente has no fire department of its own. The city contracts with the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) for fire service and fire prevention. OCFA's Community Risk Reduction department does plan review and inspections for the city.
Like-for-like work (swapping a damaged head, replacing a gauge, fixing a leaking fitting) usually goes straight to the repair. Changes are different. If a remodel moves the cook line, adds a wall or lowers a ceiling, the sprinkler layout may have to change too, and sprinkler plans for San Clemente are submitted to OCFA online. San Clemente is also one of the cities where OCFA requires a USB copy of the plans within two working days of the online submittal.
Not sure which kind of job you have? Ask OCFA's South County Inspection Office at 949-347-2240 before work starts. If the system has to be shut down for a repair, the building is unprotected while it's off. Keep the shutdown short, and confirm with OCFA whether they need notice or a fire watch.
Who does the work
Our California work is performed by Hedrick Fire Protection. Hedrick holds C-16 (fire protection) and C-10 (electrical) contractor licenses and is licensed by the California State Fire Marshal under Title 19 for inspection, testing and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems. Hedrick is also licensed to install and service commercial kitchen hood suppression systems. The hood system is separate from your sprinklers and has its own semi-annual inspection. See kitchen fire suppression service in San Clemente.
For scheduled testing, see restaurant sprinkler inspections in San Clemente and San Clemente fire sprinkler service. Planning new work? Start with fire sprinkler installation. Do you run kitchens outside the city? We also do restaurant sprinkler repair across Orange County and in Los Angeles County. Everything we do in town is listed on the San Clemente fire protection page.
Get a repair scheduled
We cover San Clemente ZIP codes 92672, 92673 and 92674. Call (949) 558-2201 or email socal@1profire.com. Have your inspection report or a photo of the problem head ready.
Restaurant sprinkler repair questions
Is there a company that repairs restaurant sprinklers in San Clemente?
Yes. San Clemente is in our service area. Call (949) 558-2201 or email socal@1profire.com.
A head is leaking. What should I do right now?
Move people and equipment out of the way, then call. Only close the control valve if you have to stop water damage, because the building has no sprinkler protection while it's closed.
Can I replace a broken sprinkler head myself?
No. In California this work is done by a contractor licensed by the State Fire Marshal, and the new head has to match the old one's type, temperature rating and orifice size.
Who handles fire inspections for San Clemente restaurants?
The Orange County Fire Authority handles fire prevention for San Clemente. You can reach its South County Inspection Office at 949-347-2240.