What You Need to Know About Commercial Building Fire Suppression Issues
41% of Our Clients Are Concerned About Fire Suppression Systems — Here’s What You Need to Know
According to our scheduling form data, 41% of our clients express concern about fire suppression systems when booking commercial property inspections. These systems may not be front-of-mind for everyone, but they’re absolutely essential—both for life safety and for meeting legal and insurance requirements.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
Why fire suppression systems are a concern for so many clients
5 common fire suppression issues in commercial buildings
What our commercial inspection includes regarding these systems
How to ensure your system stays compliant, functional, and effective
Let’s unpack what you need to know to keep your people and property safe.
Why Clients Are Concerned About Fire Suppression Systems
Fire suppression systems don’t get much attention until an emergency happens—but when they fail, the consequences can be devastating. Here’s why clients worry about them:
1. They’re Legally Required in Many Occupancies
Most commercial buildings—especially those with high occupancy, hazardous materials, or specific zoning—are required by code to have working fire suppression systems like sprinklers or chemical agents.
2. Insurance and Liability Depend on Them
Many insurance policies require a functioning, tested suppression system. If one fails or is out of service during an incident, coverage may be voided, and liability falls on the property owner.
3. They’re Easy to Overlook
Unlike a roof or HVAC unit, suppression systems are largely passive and often hidden. Outdated inspection tags, corroded heads, or blocked valves can go unnoticed until it’s too late.
4. Testing and Maintenance Are Often Neglected
Many systems go untested for years, especially in low-traffic areas or vacant units. Without proper inspections and certifications, their reliability becomes questionable.
5 Common Fire Suppression Issues We Find
While we don’t conduct a full NFPA-compliant test (that’s done by licensed fire contractors), we routinely observe signs of system failure, neglect, or risk during inspections:
1. Missing or Expired Inspection Tags
Fire suppression systems are required to be tested and certified annually (or more often for certain components). We frequently find tags that are expired—or missing entirely.
2. Corroded or Obstructed Sprinkler Heads
Sprinkler heads installed in high-moisture environments (like kitchens or basements) often show corrosion or mineral buildup. Heads also get painted over, blocked by shelving, or damaged during renovations.
3. Dry Systems Without Pressure
In warehouses or unheated buildings, dry fire suppression systems may lack the necessary air or nitrogen pressure due to leaks or poor maintenance.
4. Unprotected Mechanical Rooms and High-Risk Zones
Kitchens, boiler rooms, and electrical closets are often overlooked when suppression system upgrades are made. We often find these areas lack the required local suppression or extinguishing systems.
5. Missing or Disconnected System Components
We’ve found systems that are “almost” intact—missing gauges, capped pipes, disconnected alarms, or inactive risers—often due to previous renovations or poor installation.
What Our Commercial Fire Suppression Review Includes
Our commercial property inspections do not include formal fire suppression testing, but we do conduct a thorough visual assessment and document deficiencies that warrant further review by a licensed contractor.
✔ Visual Inspection of Sprinkler Systems
We identify the presence and general condition of wet and dry sprinkler systems, standpipes, risers, and heads. We document corrosion, physical damage, obstructions, or unapproved alterations.
✔ Tag and Certification Review
We check inspection tags on risers, valves, extinguishers, and related components. We document expired, missing, or non-compliant inspection dates for further action.
✔ Valve and Control Condition
Where accessible, we inspect valve rooms or risers for missing handles, signs of leaks, and proper signage. We note whether tamper switches or pressure gauges appear functional.
✔ Chemical and Specialized Systems
We look for hood suppression systems in commercial kitchens, clean agent systems in server rooms, or foam systems in industrial facilities. We check labels and tags and look for missing nozzles or inactive tanks.
✔ Fire Extinguisher Review
We visually inspect a representative sample of fire extinguishers for accessibility, pressure level, and up-to-date inspection tags. This includes noting if extinguishers are blocked or absent in required areas.
✔ Reporting and Recommendation for Licensed Evaluation
If we observe any deficiencies or the absence of a suppression system where one is required by occupancy type, we recommend evaluation by a licensed fire protection company.
How to Ensure Fire Suppression Readiness
Your fire suppression system may never be used—but when it is, it has to work. Here’s how to keep it compliant and ready:
➤ Maintain Annual Certification
Partner with a licensed fire protection service to perform annual inspections and certifications. This includes sprinkler testing, alarm function, and valve inspections.
➤ Keep Areas Around Sprinkler Heads Clear
Never stack materials or install fixtures within 18 inches of sprinkler heads. This is a major code violation and common cause of suppression failure.
➤ Replace Painted or Damaged Heads Immediately
Painted or modified sprinkler heads must be replaced. Damaged or tampered components can void manufacturer warranties and system approval.
➤ Test Kitchen and Special Hazard Systems More Frequently
Wet chemical suppression systems under kitchen hoods and clean agent systems in server rooms often require semi-annual inspections under NFPA 96 and NFPA 2001 standards.
➤ Log All Inspections and Maintenance
Keep a clear, dated record of every test, repair, and tag. This documentation is essential for compliance, insurance claims, and safety planning.
Conclusion: Suppression Systems Save Lives—If They Work
Fire suppression systems are easy to overlook… until the day they’re needed. A single failed sprinkler or expired chemical system can turn a manageable fire into a devastating event. With 41% of our clients raising concerns about these systems, it’s clear this is a critical area of commercial risk management.
Need Help Assessing Your Fire Suppression System?
Fire suppression systems save lives and protect investments—but only if they’re properly maintained. With 41% of our clients citing concerns about fire suppression, now is the time to ensure your system is ready when it matters most.
At Focus Building Inspections, we provide thorough reviews of commercial fire suppression systems, helping you identify risks and connect with certified professionals for repairs and certifications. Safety doesn’t happen by accident—let’s make sure your system is ready.
Book your commercial inspection or contact our team to schedule a comprehensive walkthrough. We’ll flag visible issues and help you get connected with certified professionals for testing and maintenance.
Questions This Article Answers
Why are fire suppression systems a top concern during commercial inspections?
What legal and insurance risks are associated with neglected suppression systems?
How often should fire suppression systems be inspected and certified?
What are the most common fire suppression deficiencies found in commercial properties?
How can damaged or blocked sprinkler heads compromise safety?
What components are checked during a commercial fire suppression system review?
Why is documentation of maintenance and inspections critical?
What steps should property owners take to maintain fire suppression system readiness?
How often should kitchen and special hazard suppression systems be tested?
Why is it crucial to replace painted or damaged sprinkler heads immediately?
Bibliography / Resources
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. (n.d.). Fire safety in commercial properties. InterNACHI. Retrieved April 25, 2025, from https://www.nachi.org/comsop.htm
International Code Council. (2021). International fire code (IFC) overview. ICC. Retrieved April 25, 2025, from https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes/i-codes
National Fire Protection Association. (n.d.). Fire sprinkler and suppression system standards. NFPA. Retrieved April 25, 2025, from https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards
National Fire Sprinkler Association. (n.d.). Fire sprinkler advocacy and resources. NFSA. Retrieved April 25, 2025, from https://nfsa.org
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). Fire safety standards for general industry. OSHA. Retrieved April 25, 2025, from https://www.osha.gov/fire-safety