Top Fire Sprinkler Codes to Know
Failing a fire system inspection can be frustrating—but it’s also one of the most important safeguards you have in place. If your fire system failed its inspection, the good news is that the issue was identified before an emergency occurred. That’s exactly why regular fire protection inspections exist.
Most inspection failures are tied to a small number of common deficiencies, many of which are straightforward to fix once you understand what went wrong. Below, we break down what a failed inspection actually means, the most common reasons systems don’t pass, and how to reduce the risk of future failures.
What It Means When Your Fire System Fails an Inspection
A failed inspection doesn’t always mean your entire fire protection system is unusable. Inspectors use color-coded tags to indicate the severity of deficiencies found during inspection and testing.
Yellow Tag: Non-Critical Deficiency
A yellow tag indicates an issue that does not impact system operation during a fire, but still must be corrected to meet code requirements or proper maintenance standards, such as those outlined in NFPA 25. These issues should be addressed promptly to remain compliant.
Orange Tag: Critical Deficiency
An orange tag means the system should function, but its performance may be compromised. These deficiencies can reduce reliability during an emergency and should be corrected as soon as possible.
Red Tag: Critical Impairment
A red tag is the most serious outcome. It indicates that part or all of your fire system is nonfunctional, leaving your building at significant risk. Red-tagged deficiencies require immediate repair and, in some cases, temporary protective measures until the system is restored.
If your system receives a green tag, it has passed inspection and is operating as designed.
The Most Common Reasons Fire Systems Fail Inspections
Understanding why fire systems fail inspections can help you catch issues early and avoid repeat deficiencies.
Obstructed or Damaged Sprinkler Heads
Sprinkler heads are often found painted over, blocked by storage, or damaged. Any obstruction can prevent proper water discharge during a fire, resulting in a failed fire sprinkler inspection.
Expired or Improperly Tagged Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are frequently cited during inspections. Common issues include expired units, missing inspection tags, or undocumented maintenance—all of which can cause an inspection failure.
Backflow Preventer Deficiencies
Backflow devices protect clean water supplies from contamination. In fire sprinkler systems, stagnant water can harbor bacteria, making backflow preventer failures a serious concern. Mineral buildup, wear and tear, or improper installation are common causes.
Kitchen Fire Suppression Problems
Commercial kitchens face unique fire risks, especially grease fires. Inspection failures often stem from degraded suppression agents, damaged components, improper appliance coverage, or missed semiannual inspections.
How to Prevent Future Fire System Inspection Failures
Once deficiencies are corrected, the next step is preventing them from happening again.
Stay proactive by monitoring system alerts and addressing issues as soon as they arise. Keep clear access to all fire protection components, including sprinkler heads, fire alarm panels, extinguishers, and valves. Organized inspection and maintenance records also make future inspections smoother and faster.
Most importantly, stay on schedule. Fire alarm service, fire sprinkler service, and fire suppression inspections all operate on different cycles—and missing one can lead to preventable failures. Working with a trusted life safety company ensures these schedules are managed correctly, without adding more to your plate.
When CertaSite manages your fire protection systems, we track inspection timelines, identify deficiencies early, and help keep your building compliant, confident, and protected—so you can focus on running your business.
