Reasons for a Failed Fire Pump Test & Next Steps
Each year, fire suppression systems must undergo a fire pump flow test to ensure compliance with industry standards. This test evaluates the flow rate of the fire line being tested. A low flow rate increases the likelihood of a failed test, which can compromise building safety and code compliance.
Several factors can contribute to a fire line’s low flow, including the type of fire line system, the pipeline material, and the substances transported. Most fire line systems are constructed from metallic pipes, with cast iron being the most common material. The primary cause of low flow in these pipes is tuberculation, a buildup inside the pipe that restricts water movement.
Keep reading to learn more about fire line tuberculation, how to detect it, and how American Pipeline Solutions can restore and maintain optimal fire line performance.
What Causes Tuberculation in Fire Lines?
Tuberculation occurs primarily in metallic pipelines, including cast iron and ductile iron pipes. It is caused by chemical reactions between bacteria in the fire line water and the iron in the pipe’s interior. Over time, this reaction creates a buildup, known as pipe scale or tuberculation, which narrows the pipeline and disrupts flow.
Left untreated, tuberculation can significantly reduce the efficiency of your fire suppression system and increase the risk of a failed fire pump test.
How to Detect Tuberculation?
The most common indicator of tuberculation in a fire line is low flow during a fire pump test. Additional signs may include uneven pressure readings or water discoloration.
At American Pipeline Solutions, we begin by performing a visual inspection of the fire line to determine the severity and location of the buildup. This inspection allows our team to assess the thickness of the tuberculation and plan the most effective cleaning approach.
Determining the Best Cleaning Approach
While replacing your fire line can remove tuberculation, it is often not cost-effective. Moreover, without proper prevention measures, new pipes can develop the same issue over time.
APS offers targeted solutions to clean and restore your existing fire lines. Our approach includes reviewing as-builts and fire line drawings, conducting a site visit, and creating a comprehensive proposal that outlines the recommended fire line descaling method.
Fire Line Descaling Methods
APS addresses tuberculation using a combination of:
Pigging
Rotary head technology
Picote mechanical equipment
The method chosen depends on the characteristics of the fire line.
Pigging is not typically the first choice for heavy-scale buildup, as foam pigs can break apart instead of removing the scale. Instead, APS often relies on Picote mechanical equipment, which applies stronger force to remove pipe scale efficiently. This method uses less water than pigging or rotary head technology while effectively cleaning the fire line.
Preventing Future Scale Build-Up and Low Flow
After cleaning, your fire line’s flow rate will return to optimal levels. To maintain this performance, fire lines should be cleaned approximately every five years. Without routine maintenance, tuberculation will reoccur, potentially leading to another failed flow test.
Epoxy coating offers a long-term solution to prevent future tuberculation. Unlike repiping, which can take several weeks and disrupt system operation, epoxy coating is a cost-effective, trenchless solution. Coating your cleaned pipelines can prevent tuberculation for up to 50 years, extending the life of your fire line while minimizing downtime.
Why Choose APS for Fire Line Cleaning and Prevention?
With extensive experience in fire line descaling and epoxy coating, APS provides reliable, industry-standard solutions that restore flow, improve efficiency, and ensure fire line compliance. Our team specializes in:
Fire line cleaning and tuberculation removal
Pipe descaling for metallic pipelines
Long-term prevention with epoxy pipe coating
Maintaining optimal flow rates for fire suppression systems
Take the Next Step
If your fire line has low flow or has failed a fire pump test, don’t wait for issues to worsen. Contact American Pipeline Solutions today to schedule a fire line inspection and learn more about our tuberculation cleaning and prevention services.
Looking to improve the low flow of your fire line?
Contact American Pipeline Solutions today to learn about our fire line tuberculation cleaning and prevention solutions.
