The Challenge
Thameside Fire Protection was called to repair pinhole corrosion leaks on ageing sprinkler pipework at multiple sites operated by a major national high street retailer. These sprinkler systems were over 40 years old, meaning the visible leak was unlikely to be the only section of pipe affected by corrosion.
The standard industry approach is to isolate the system, replace only the damaged section of pipe and return the system to service. While this resolves the immediate issue, it often leaves surrounding pipework in place, increasing the likelihood of further failures in the near future.
Our Approach
Rather than carrying out the minimum repair, our Sprinkler Service Technical Manager identified an opportunity to deliver a better long-term outcome.
The engineers were already on site during a fixed-price, out-of-hours maintenance window, with the system isolated and access available. Instead of replacing only the section that had failed, they used the remaining time within the shift to replace a much longer length of ageing pipework.
This meant:
- No additional labour cost for the client.
- Only a small increase in material costs.
- A substantially larger section of deteriorating pipework removed in a single visit.
Rather than simply fixing the immediate leak, the repair helped reduce the likelihood of further failures developing in the same area.
The Result
The client was delighted with the outcome.
By making better use of the planned maintenance window, the team delivered a more comprehensive repair with no increase in labour costs, reducing the likelihood of further disruption from additional pipe failures.
It’s a straightforward decision, but one that reflects the way we believe sprinkler maintenance should be approached: looking for opportunities to deliver the best long-term outcome, rather than simply completing the minimum required work.
Why It Matters
Many sprinkler systems installed throughout the UK during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s are now reaching an age where internal corrosion is becoming increasingly common.
Every repair presents an opportunity to think beyond the immediate fault. Where it’s safe, practical and cost-effective to do so, replacing additional ageing pipework during the same access window can reduce disruption, minimise repeat call-outs and provide better long-term value for the building owner.
Our Approach to Maintenance
At Thameside Fire Protection, we don’t believe maintenance should simply be about closing jobs.
Our focus is on helping clients get the maximum value from every visit, whether that’s identifying emerging issues, recommending practical improvements or making the most of planned access while we’re already on site.
It’s an approach built around long-term relationships rather than short-term fixes, and one we’re bring to every fire sprinkler servicing and maintenance project we undertake.