On average, a well-maintained sprinkler tank can last up to 30 years or more. The frequency of inspection for fire sprinkler tanks depends on several factors, including the size of the tank, its location, the type of water source, and the type of system it is connected to. 

The LPC Sprinkler Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations is the UK's most significant sprinkler installation standard which incorporates the full BS EN 12845:2015+A1:2019 standard and related Technical Bulletins. New Technical Bulletins ensure the highest reasonably practical levels of property protection, life safety, and resilience to fire can be achieved*.

According to LPC Sprinkler Rules' newly updated Technical Bulletin 203 Care and maintenance of automatic sprinkler systems (published in Sept 2022), a fully detailed ‘Inspection/ Condition Report’ is now required as part of the two-yearly routine - the TB203 2 year inspection.

This Technical Bulletin, written by committee in association with UK experts, insurer members of RISC Authority and input from the UK Trade Organisation BAFSA, was written in response to concern that Sprinkler Water Storage Tanks were not being inspected often enough, leading to the possible degradation of the tank and subsequent ‘burst’ and collapse. Reducing the inspection period to two years (2 year TB203 inspection) from the previous 10 year requirement (10 year TB203 inspection), and allowing the use of a ROV (remotely operating vehicle) camera to carry out the inspection (rather than a complete drain down of the tank), means there is much less chance of corrosion/weakness going unnoticed, allowing repairs to be carried out before the damage becomes too severe.  

Please do not hesitate to call us on 01748 825612 or email us at servicing@richmondfire.co.uk if you would like an advice on any of the information provided or to discuss your 2 year TB203 maintenance plan requirements requirements.

Visit our maintenance and servicing page for more details on what RFE can do for you and your fire protection.

*The Fire Protection Association: https://www.thefpa.co.uk/news/-lpc-sprinkler-rules-technical-bulletins-update

Important Notice: Any opinion expressed in this column (blog, article) is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the official position of Richmond Fire Engineers Ltd. In addition, this piece is neither intended, nor should it be relied upon, to provide professional consultation or services.