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

HeroResVsComm-min

The 3 Key Differences in Residential vs. Business Security Explained

What is the difference between a commercial and a residential security system? Who has access to the building and when? How are special areas such as storerooms, restaurant cooking facilities, or cash registers protected? What special regulations need to be met for securing elevators, stairwells, or parking lots? How will data storage and playback issues…

Continue reading
Hero-restaurant-min

Fire Systems for the Restaurant Industry

Companies in varying industries face fire hazards in their standard operations to a certain degree. Businesses that operate commercial kitchens, however, are at significant risk for fire-related hazards because cooking equipment is a leading cause of commercial fires. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, an estimated 50% of non-residential fires were caused by cooking in…

Continue reading
2019-05_FSSTechnologies_blogs_diy-home-security-cameras_facebook-min

DIY Home Security Cameras

DIY Security Systems Are the New Fad How many cameras can the system support, and can it support cameras from other manufacturers? – You’ll hear systems called 2-channel, 4-channel, 16-channel, etc., which determines how many cameras the system can support. It’s best to purchase a system that can support a few more cameras than you…

Continue reading
home-security-system-Hero-min

Cost of Home Security Systems

Getting a security system for your home is a wise investment. While the obvious benefit is protection for your family, home, and belongings, it’s hard to put a price on the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you and your family will have professional help in case of an emergency. Still, you must…

Continue reading
emergency-action-plan-hero

What is an Emergency Action Plan?

The purpose of an Emergency Action Plan is to inform employees of what actions they should take if an emergency occurs at work. It’s required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and it can be critical in preventing the loss of property, or lives, in a crisis. If an emergency alarm went off…

Continue reading
cctv-without-internet-hero-min

Will CCTV Work Without Internet?

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is a TV system where the signal isn’t publicly broadcast but is watched and monitored, usually for surveillance and security purposes. From city streets and highways to retail stores and banks, CCTV cameras are placed in most places to protect property and deter crime. Learn whether a commercial CCTV system can work…

Continue reading
Herotestfirealar-min

Testing Fire Alarm Call Points

Most large commercial-grade fire alarm systems today are an addressable fire alarm system. Addressable fire alarm systems, also known as addressable fire panels, give every smoke detector or sprinkler head on the system its own uniquely identifiable address or call point.      When any sensor on the system is triggered, the main control panel shows exactly which device or point was triggered to pinpoint…

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-FireAlarmPanelsWork-min

How Do Fire Alarm Control Panels Work

Fire Alarm Panels A fire alarm panel is the control center for a fire alarm system. The panel acts as the central processing unit. It receives signals from the smoke and heat detectors associated with the system and sends out signals to the fire alarms, sprinkler heads, and local authorities.   If the panel receives…

Continue reading
2019-07_FSSTechnologies_Blogs_what-is-required-by-villages_hero-min

What Do Villages Require to Add a Security System?

What Is a Village?

Continue reading
24h emergency
Secure My Space
chat with us