Fire Sprinkler Service in Santa Monica

What Santa Monica callers ask us about sprinklers

After fire extinguishers, sprinkler work is the most common reason Santa Monica callers reach us. Some calls are routine inspections. Others start with a problem.

Here's one we've had. Painters finished a facility job, and the sprinkler heads came out coated along with the ceiling, which in one commercial property meant about 11 heads to replace. Paint can't be cleaned off a sprinkler head, because it can slow or block the heat-sensing part, so each painted head gets swapped for a matching one (same temperature rating, response type and coverage). Plan for replacement. Next time, have the painters bag the heads first and pull the bags off the day the job ends.

We also hear from owners of buildings with two-hose standpipes. And from homeowners who just want to know an older system still works.

The calendar NFPA 25 and Title 19 set

• Quarterly: an inspection of the parts that change most, such as gauges, control valves and alarm devices.
• Annually: a wider inspection of heads, piping and hangers, plus the yearly tests.
• Every five years: an internal pipe assessment and gauge replacement or testing. California Title 19 also requires a five-year service and certification by a contractor licensed by the State Fire Marshal.
• At 50 years: heads must be replaced or sample-tested.

Each runs on its own clock. A building can be current on its annual visit and still be overdue on the five-year certification, so check the date on your last five-year report before you assume you're covered.

What a visit covers

The technician walks the system from the riser out. That means confirming control valves are open and secured, reading the gauges, looking for heads that are painted, corroded, damaged or blocked by storage, and flowing water to confirm it moves and the alarm sounds. If a part fails, we can repair or replace it.

Standpipes

Yes, we inspect standpipes. Two-hose systems included. The technician checks each hose valve with its cap and threads, the piping and supports, any gauges and the fire department connection, and confirms the valves open and close the way they should. Testing follows the NFPA 25 schedule for your system type. Some callers send photos of the standpipe first, and that helps us quote the job.

Where the Fire Prevention Division fits in

Santa Monica has its own fire department. The Santa Monica Fire Department Fire Prevention Division inspects fire protection systems for compliance with the Santa Monica Fire Code, along with the life-safety parts of new construction and remodels. Plans for new or changed fire protection systems go to the same division for plan review, and its permits are issued only after fees are paid.

A change of use can matter too. Under Municipal Code Chapter 8.44, an existing building can trigger sprinkler requirements when its occupancy changes to a more hazardous division. Converting a space? Call the Fire Prevention Division at (310) 458-8915 before you sign.

Who does the work

California work for 1 Pro Fire is done by Hedrick Fire Protection. Hedrick holds C-16 (fire protection) and C-10 (electrical) contractor licenses. It's licensed by the California State Fire Marshal under Title 19 for inspection, testing and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems, the five-year certification included.

To book a sprinkler or standpipe inspection in Santa Monica (ZIPs 90401 through 90405), call (213) 568-0188 or email socal@1profire.com. Have your last report handy.

Santa Monica sprinkler service questions

Is Santa Monica still in your service area?

Yes. We service sprinkler systems across Santa Monica.

My home is 18 years old. How do I know the sprinkler system still works?

Home systems usually aren't on the commercial NFPA 25 and Title 19 five-year cycle, so you may not have past inspection reports. We can inspect it. The technician confirms the control valve is open, reads the pressure gauge, checks heads for paint, damage or blockage, and flows water to make sure it moves and any flow alarm sounds.

How often does a commercial system need service?

See the calendar above. In short: quarterly inspections of gauges, valves and alarm devices, an annual inspection and test of the whole system, and a five-year internal pipe assessment with Title 19 certification.

Can painted sprinkler heads be cleaned?

No. They get replaced with matching heads.

How soon can a technician come out?

It depends on that week's schedule. Call and we'll give you the earliest open date, and if a fire inspection deadline is coming up, tell us when you call so we can work toward it.