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“How often do I need to have my fire sprinkler system inspected?” It’s one of the most common questions we get, and it’s a good one.
Every fire sprinkler system — wet, dry, pre-action, or deluge — needs regular inspection and testing to stay reliable and compliant. The inspection schedule is set by NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.
Not sure what’s required at each interval? Download our Ultimate Sprinkler System Maintenance Cheat Sheet for a quick breakdown of all inspection and testing timelines.
But one milestone inspection stands out for its depth and importance: the five-year maintenance.
This inspection goes far beyond your typical annual check. It’s designed to verify that your entire system, from valves to gauges to internal piping, will perform exactly as intended in the event of a fire.
Because we get this question a lot, here’s a breakdown of what it includes, why it matters, and how to stay on schedule.
What Is Required for Five-Year Fire Sprinkler Maintenance?
Every five years, NFPA 25 requires a detailed inspection and testing of specific sprinkler system components to confirm they’re still in working order.
Unlike quarterly or annual inspections that focus on visual checks and function tests, the five-year inspection involves opening, testing, and verifying internal system parts that can deteriorate or corrode over time.
The goal: to catch hidden issues long before they cause system failure.
What’s Included in a Five-Year Fire Sprinkler System Inspection?
In addition to the annual inspection, here’s what a qualified fire protection contractor will typically perform during your five-year fire inspection:
- Gauge Calibration or Replacement – Gauges must be replaced or calibrated every five years to ensure accurate pressure readings.
- Check Valve Internal Inspection – Valves are opened and examined to make sure they move freely and seal correctly.
- Internal Pipe Inspection – Sections of piping are inspected for corrosion, scaling, or obstructions. (CPVC and copper piping are exempt.)
- Fire Department Connection (FDC) Hydrostatic Test – The FDC is pressurized to 150 psi for two hours to confirm it can withstand pressures without leaks.
- Hose Connection – Hose valves are opened and tested to ensure proper water/pressure and function.
- Backflow Preventer Internal Inspection – The backflow device is internally inspected to verify condition.
- System Flow Components Service – Clean or replace strainers, filters, and orifices to prevent blockages and ensure proper water flow through the system.
Why the Five-Year Matters
Over time, even the best sprinkler systems face wear and tear — corrosion, buildup, or parts that simply age out. The five-year inspection helps uncover those issues before they compromise performance or compliance.
Keeping up with this maintenance helps you:
- Stay compliant with NFPA 25 and your local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction)
- Avoid costly emergency repairs or unplanned shutdowns
- Ensure system reliability if a fire occurs
- Maintain insurance eligibility and peace of mind
Think of it like a health check for your fire protection system. It ensures everything that’s hidden behind walls and ceilings is still doing its job.
When to Schedule It
Your five-year maintenance is due five years from your system’s last documented five-year inspection or acceptance test. If you’re unsure when that was, your inspection tags, service reports, or fire protection contractor can help you confirm.
It’s smart to plan ahead. Scheduling before your anniversary date ensures enough time for testing, reporting, and any follow-up repairs without disrupting your building’s operations.
At Century Fire Protection, we perform five-year inspections across all sprinkler system types and building environments, from warehouses and hotels to healthcare, education, industrial, multifamily properties and more.
Our inspectors know the codes, understand the systems, and make the process simple for your team. Reach out to schedule an inspection or get more information.
Keep Learning
Five-year maintenance is just one part of staying compliant. For a complete breakdown of every required interval — quarterly, annual, and beyond — download our free resource: The Ultimate Sprinkler System Maintenance Cheat Sheet
And for some common questions we get regarding sprinkler system maintenance, check out our related post: Fire Sprinkler Systems: Wet & Dry System FAQs