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

5g-radio-waves-hero-min

5G Security Concerns & the 3G Sunset

Consumers are using the internet on the go more than ever. By 2022, it is projected that consumers will utilize nearly 11GB of data per month, primarily due to video consumption. To create a more robust and long-term solution, technology infrastructure is working towards the next generation of mobile networks: 5G. With this network upgrade…

Continue reading
Heropanicbutton-min

Should My Business Have a Panic Button?

What Exactly is a Panic Button? As the name implies, a panic button is a button or switch that an individual activates when there is an emergency that needs immediate attention. Panic buttons are often hidden from plain sight so they can be activated subtly or in secret by the correct individuals. How Does a…

Continue reading
home-security-systems-same-Hero-min

Are All Home Security Systems the Same?

Home security used to be synonymous with burglar alarms, but this is no longer the case. Home security today is not only about protection, but also comfort, convenience, communication, and information.   All home security systems never were the same—there were different manufacturers, different types of equipment, and various providers. Today, there are entirely new…

Continue reading
Herocameras-min

Security Cameras Are Not Created Equal

The Difference in Security Cameras  Cameras are one of the most critical components in your security arsenal, and not all security cameras are the same.    Why you ask? Consider these differences:  Various types and sizes of cameras  Indoor vs. outdoor cameras  Cameras that are easy to camouflage  Cameras that provide high-quality video footage  Wired cameras vs….

Continue reading
top-companies-indiana-hero-min

Who Are the Best Security Companies in Indiana?

Finding the right company to install and monitor the security in your home (or business) is an important choice. You need to know and trust the people who will be responsible for keeping you safe. In Indiana, we know that there are many teams ready and capable of protecting your home and business. To help…

Continue reading
Hero-hydrant-min

Why Are Fire Hydrants Different Colors?

The eye-catching colors of a fire hydrant are hard to miss, whether you’re walking through a city or driving around a neighborhood. What many don’t realize, however, is that these colors are integral in helping emergency responders identify and assess their available resources when preparing to fight a fire. Fire hydrant colors are distinct to…

Continue reading
FSS_safest-in-chicago_hero

Choosing a Safe Neighborhood in Chicago

There are a lot of great places to live in Chicago. From the historic vibe of Printers Row to the ultra-stylish River North, there are neighborhoods to fit every personality. But are they safe?   It turns out, many of them are. According to Niche.com—which ranks neighborhoods based on crime, schools, cost of living, etc.—the short commuting…

Continue reading
2019-11_FSSTechnologies_blogs_fire-code-requirements_hero-min

Code Requirements for Commercial Fire Alarms

The International Code Council Assembly: Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, and A-5 Business: Group B Educational: Group E Factory and industrial: Groups F-1 and F-2 High hazard: Groups H-1, H2, H3, H4, and H5 Institutional: Group I-1, I-2, I-3, and I-4 Mercantile: Group M Residential: Groups R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 Storage: Groups S-1 and…

Continue reading
monitored-security-system-Hero

Monitored vs. Unmonitored Security Systems

If you’re thinking about installing a security system, you may be wondering if monitoring is a necessary feature. While an unmonitored system is better than nothing at all, there are some critical things you should consider before making a decision. The Benefits of Monitoring  The noise and commotion caused by the sirens and lights associated…

Continue reading
Window-Motion-Sensor-Placement-Hero

Where Should Window and Motion Sensors be Placed?

Motion and window sensors are basic parts of a security system in both residential and business applications.   The expert security team at FSS Technologies has helped thousands of business and property owners stay safe with these tools. Sensors  A motion sensor allows a system to detect movement, using waves or light to determine if someone or…

Continue reading
24h emergency
Secure My Space
chat with us