Blog

Why Fire Sprinkler, Extinguisher, and Backflow Inspections Matter

July 1, 2025|FSSTechnologies

At FSS Technologies, we believe that safety isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Our commercial fire protection services are designed to give your business peace of mind, knowing that your properties, people, and assets are secure and compliant with fire and life safety codes.

We specialize in fire sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, and backflow preventer inspections to provide comprehensive solutions that help keep your systems ready when every second matters. Learn more about our inspection standards and the common issues we find and resolve.

Why do inspections matter?

Routine inspections are critical—not only for maintaining safety but also for ensuring that your systems comply with local, state, and national codes and standards issued by organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Whether it’s an automatic sprinkler system, a portable fire extinguisher, or a backflow prevention device, these systems must be inspected and tested regularly to ensure they’re fully operational in the event of an emergency.

Neglecting to schedule routine inspections could lead to:

How do fire sprinkler system inspections work?

Fire sprinklers are the first line of defense in your commercial fire system that can reduce the damaging effects of an active blaze. Per NFPA 25, these systems require:

  • Quarterly inspections for valve positions and gauges
  • Annual inspections of mechanical parts and water flow
  • 5-year internal pipe assessments to check for blockages or corrosion

During our inspections, we check for common fire sprinkler system deficiencies like:

  • Closed or improperly positioned control valves
  • Leaking or corroded sprinkler heads
  • Improperly supported piping
  • Missing signage or identification tags

Man inspecting fire extinguisher

What matters in a fire extinguisher inspection?

Portable extinguishers are a critical tool in containing different classes of fires until first responders can arrive and help your business. According to NFPA 10, fire extinguishers must be:

  • Visually inspected monthly
  • Fully inspected and maintained annually
  • Hydrostatically tested every 5-12 years, depending on the type
  • Replaced every 10-12 years

Our team ensures that every portable extinguisher in your building has:

  • Proper placement and accessibility
  • No physical damage, corrosion, or pressure loss
  • Up-to-date inspection tags and clear labeling

Our service technicians at FSS Technologies often find issues such as:

  • Expired units that are partially or entirely ineffective
  • Incorrect extinguisher material types for relevant hazards
  • Blocked extinguishers that can delay emergency responses

What’s required in backflow inspections?

Backflow preventers keep contaminated water from flowing back into your clean water supply. Backflow prevention is a critical safety measure for any building’s plumbing and fire protection systems. Local water authorities and plumbing codes typically require annual inspections and testing.

Common deficiencies related to backflow preventers include:

  • Broken or leaking valves
  • Improper installation height
  • Missing test ports or data tags
  • Failed pressure differential tests

Our certified technicians ensure that every device is tested, repaired, or replaced to meet code requirements. By inspecting your backflow prevention systems to meet standards, you can better protect the health and safety of your building’s occupants.

Our commitment to service and excellence

At FSS Technologies, we don’t just provide inspections—we partner with you to ensure the long-term reliability and compliance of your fire protection systems. Our technicians are NICET-certified, fully trained, and equipped with cutting-edge tools to perform thorough, efficient fire safety inspections. We also provide detailed digital reports, track maintenance schedules, and help you plan for repairs or system upgrades to avoid unanticipated costs or failures.

Safety is our business. Excellence is our standard. Whether you’re managing a single facility or a large campus, we’re here to help you stay safe, compliant, and prepared. Contact our team today to schedule your next inspection or speak with a fire protection expert.

Explore Our Other Blogs

selfmonitoring-vs-monitoringcosts-hero

The Cost of Professional Security Monitoring vs. Self-Monitoring

We recently talked about the various codes required for your security and fire protection systems. We also talked about why monitoring is vital as part of a business’s fire safety system—mainly because the code may require it. This blog will address the pros and cons of self-monitoring your business’ entire alarm system versus the cost of professional security monitoring. First, what is the difference between the two? Professional vs. Self…

Continue reading
Herosecurityaudi-min

How to Conduct a Physical Security Audit

Protecting your livelihood is at the top of every business owner’s mind, but how do you know if your business is truly protected? By performing a physical security audit, you can fully assess any threats that your business might be subject to and take the necessary steps to mitigate those threats. During a physical security audit, each aspect of the business and its security…

Continue reading
convential-vs-addressable_fire-alarms-hero

Addressable vs. Conventional Fire Alarms

When determining what type of fire alarm systems are best for your business, it boils down to your choice between a conventional and addressable alarm system. The combination of smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detectors work together with your control panel to keep your business safe. Additionally, you will need to determine what kind of automatic…

Continue reading
businesses-prevent-theft-hero-min

Theft Prevention Tips for Businesses

Theft, unfortunately, can take a wide variety of forms. Theft in a retail business might include the loss of physical property from shoplifting or can come in the form of embezzlement. In the retail sector, a 2019 National Retail Security Survey reported the average cost per shoplifting incident is $546.67. According to the 2018 Hiscox…

Continue reading
Hero-smoke

Winter Fire and Security System Maintenance Tips

Winter weather often comes with operational headaches and hazards for business owners. Long periods of cold temperatures and snowfall can impact companies in different ways, from reducing foot traffic to extending process timelines. One of the most noticeable impacts is an uptick in fire safety and security device issues, especially if you have yet to…

Continue reading
Hero-inspections-min

Why Fire Sprinkler, Extinguisher, and Backflow Inspections Matter

At FSS Technologies, we believe that safety isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Our commercial fire protection services are designed to give your business peace of mind, knowing that your properties, people, and assets are secure and compliant with fire and life safety codes. We specialize in fire sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, and backflow preventer inspections…

Continue reading
safe-during-holidays-Hero-min

Holiday Security Tips

It’s a beautiful time of the year, but the holidays come with some inherent risks that you should prepare for amidst all the gift buying, cooking, and decorating. Here are some of our top holiday safety tips to keep your home and loved ones safe over the season. Theft and Burglary Prevention Do not put…

Continue reading
smart-home-automation-solutions-Hero

What is a Smart Home and How Can Home Automation Solutions Help You?

Home automation solutions are no longer the ideas of science fiction. These intelligent home systems can save you hundreds of dollars through energy conservation, and they can provide state-of-the-art security to protect your home and the loved ones inside of it. What is A Smart Home? A smart home is equipped with lighting, heating, and…

Continue reading
FSS_2022_DoYouKnowAlarm_Hero-min

Do You Know How Your Alarm System Communicates?

What is alarm monitoring? One of the most sought-after features for residential and commercial security systems is 24/7 alarm monitoring. Monitored security systems are connected to a central monitoring facility with staff who review tripped alarms, verify emergencies, and contact relevant emergency services. Monitors generally reach at least two phone numbers connected to a residence…

Continue reading
renter-insurance-discount-hero-min

Will Renter’s Insurance Give a Discount if You Have a Security System?

Home invasions or burglaries are a threat to any household, regardless of where they are located. One of the biggest deterrents for burglars is a home security system that could record evidence of their actions or could notify the authorities at the time of a break-in. This is a huge motivator for homeowners when deciding…

Continue reading
24h emergency
Secure My Space