Understand and fix fire sprinkler deficiencies
What the items on your sprinkler inspection report mean, how urgent they are under NFPA 25, and how to correct them before your AHJ deadline.
Sprinklers that are painted, corroded, or coated with dust or grease must be replaced — they may not operate correctly.
Storage too close to sprinkler deflectors or new walls and ducts blocking spray patterns reduce protection.
Closed or partially closed valves and missing supervision are among the most serious findings.
Gauges that are damaged, inaccurate, or past their 5-year replacement or calibration date.
Missing spare sprinklers, the wrong types, or no sprinkler wrench.
Missing caps, damaged threads, obstructions, or missing signage.
Guides
The fire sprinkler deficiencies that appear most often on NFPA 25 inspection reports, what causes them, and how to correct them.
Read guide →
How storage, new walls, ductwork, and lighting create fire sprinkler obstructions, and the clearance rules property managers need to enforce.
Read guide →
NFPA 25 rules for when fire sprinklers must be replaced or sample-tested based on age, type, damage, and recalls.
Read guide →
FAQ
Under NFPA 25, a critical deficiency is a condition that will affect how the system performs but does not take it fully out of service. It should be corrected promptly. An impairment means part or all of the system is out of service.
Paint can interfere with the heat-sensing element and the deflector. NFPA 25 requires painted sprinklers (other than factory finishes) to be replaced, not cleaned.
A minimum of 18 inches below the deflector is the common rule for standard sprinklers, with more required for certain sprinkler types and storage arrangements. Confirm with your contractor for your specific system.
Deadlines are set by your AHJ and sometimes your insurer. Impairments and critical deficiencies should be addressed immediately; others typically within a set correction period.
Some items, like clearing storage, can be handled by staff. Work on the sprinkler system itself should be done by a licensed fire protection contractor and documented.
Need help or a quote?
Got a deficiency list? Send it to Fire Solutions NW for a correction quote.
Fire Solutions NW — commercial fire alarm, sprinkler, extinguisher, kitchen hood, backflow, and fire pump service. Licensed in 6 western states · 28+ years in commercial fire protection.