Preparing Your Fire Sprinkler System for a Texas Winter Freeze
- Bridgford
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
We Texans like to joke that we have two seasons: Summer and "Wait, why is it 20 degrees?"
If you lived through the big freeze of 2021, you know that winter in Waxahachie isn't just about throwing on a light jacket anymore. It can get serious, fast. And while wrapping your outdoor faucets is second nature by now, many business owners completely overlook the most expensive plumbing in their building: the fire sprinkler system.
We want to make sure that doesn't happen to you. Here is how you can prep your system before the temperature drops.
Know Your System Type (It Matters)
The way you prepare depends entirely on what kind of system you have running through your ceiling.
Wet Pipe Systems
Most offices and restaurants in our area use "wet" systems, meaning water sits in the pipes 24/7. These are great for fire protection but vulnerable to cold.
The 40° Rule: Your building must maintain a temperature of at least 40°F at all times. If you turn the heat off over the weekend to save money, you are risking a catastrophe.
Check the Attic: In Texas, we often run pipes through attic spaces that aren't well-insulated. If you can see daylight through your roof or vents, that cold air is hitting your pipes. We recommend adding insulation or heat tracing to these specific lines.
Dry Pipe Systems
You likely have a "dry" system if you have an unheated warehouse, a parking garage, or a loading dock. These pipes hold pressurized air instead of water—until the fire triggers them.
Drain the "Low Points": This is the #1 mistake we see. Even dry systems accumulate condensation (moisture) inside the pipes. Gravity pulls this water to "low point drains" or "drum drips." If you don't drain these manually, that water will sit there, freeze, expand, and crack the pipe. When the ice melts, you'll have a flood.
The Winter Prep Checklist
You don't need to be a certified technician to do a basic walkthrough (though we certainly recommend a professional inspection). Here is what you should look for right now:
Seal the Envelope: Go into your riser room (where the main water enters the building). Do you feel a draft? If cold air is leaking in near your main valve, a freeze there shuts down your entire system. Seal those gaps.
Test the Heaters: If your riser room has a dedicated space heater, turn it on now to make sure it actually works. Do not wait until the forecast says 15 degrees.
Check Antifreeze Loops: Some smaller systems use an antifreeze loop. This solution needs to be tested annually to ensure it hasn't become diluted. If the concentration is off, it’s just colored water waiting to freeze.
Why "Wait and See" is Dangerous
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), neglecting cold weather maintenance is a leading cause of system failure.
A frozen pipe doesn't just mean water damage. It means your fire protection is offline. If a fire starts while your pipes are frozen, the water cannot get to the fire. Worse, in many cases, if your system is impaired, your insurance coverage might be jeopardized if you didn't take "reasonable precautions."
We Are Here to Help
We know you have a business to run. You shouldn't have to worry about whether a pipe in your warehouse ceiling is about to burst. Let us handle the technical side so you can sleep soundly—even when the weatherman is predicting ice.
Whether you need a quick winterization inspection or need us to show you exactly where those low-point drains are hiding, our team in Waxahachie is ready to help.
Call or Text 214-813-1181 for a quote.
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