--- title: Do Sprinklers Need to be Replaced Often? description: Sprinklers, commonly referred to as “sprinkler heads”, need to be inspected annually and tested on a 5, 10, 20 or 50-year basis depending on the sprinkler type and their environment. If you find any signs of an issue with your sprinklers or your fire sprinkler system, it is best to call a fire sprinkler system professional, like Koorsen Fire & Security, right away. They can conduct an inspection and indicate whether you’re in need of a repair or replacement of any kind. image: https://blog.koorsen.com/hubfs/Blogs/Products%20and%20Services/Fire%20Sprinkler/Sprinkler%20Images/ThinkstockPhotos-485980813.jpg --- [![Koorsen Fire & Security](https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png?width=209&height=50&name=koorsen-logo.png "Koorsen Fire & Security")](https://www.koorsen.com/) [CONTACT US](https://www.koorsen.com/contact-us/) [BILL PAY](https://www.koorsen.com/koorsen-payments/) [1.866.311.7753](tel:8663117753) - [About Us](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/) - [History](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/history/) - [Case Studies](https://blog.koorsen.com/case-studies) - [Koorsen Companies](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/companies/) - [Koorsen Training Center](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/training-center/) - [Kasey Program](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/kasey-program/) - [Pay Bill](https://www.koorsen.com/koorsen-payments/) - [Products + Services](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/) - [Fire Protection](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/) - [Security](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/security/) - [Communications](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/) - [Mobile Equipment Solutions](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/mobile-equipment-solutions/) - [Additional Products + Services](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/#additional) - [Industries](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/) - [Healthcare](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/healthcare/) - [Industrial](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/industrial/) - [Education](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/education/) - [Restaurants](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/restaurants/) - [Property Management](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/property-management/) - [Hospitality](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/hospitality/) - [Retail](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/retail/) - [Construction](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/construction/) - [Locations](https://www.koorsen.com/locations/) - [News](https://blog.koorsen.com) - [Koorsen Blog](https://blog.koorsen.com) - [Koorsen In The News](https://www.koorsen.com/in-the-news/) - [Kasey the Dog Blog](https://blog.koorsen.com/kaseys-adventures) - [Careers](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/careers/) # Do Sprinklers Need to be Replaced Often? Posted February 19, 2019 by [Koorsen Fire & Security](https://blog.koorsen.com/author/koorsen-fire-security) ![Do Sprinklers Need to be Replaced Often? ](https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/Products%20and%20Services/Fire%20Sprinkler/Sprinkler%20Images/ThinkstockPhotos-485980813.jpg?width=509&name=ThinkstockPhotos-485980813.jpg) [Fire sprinkler systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-sprinkler-systems/) are known for their longevity. Some systems may even be as old as the building in which they are installed. If the system is that old, it also means some of the parts may be just as old. Sprinklers, commonly referred to as “sprinkler heads”, need to be [inspected annually and tested](https://blog.koorsen.com/when-do-fire-sprinklers-need-to-be-inspected) on a 5, 10, 20 or 50-year basis depending on the sprinkler type and their environment. [![Fire Sprinkler Questions? Click to Contact Us Now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1973249/cf5f04ea-68ca-4b85-b16f-cb89039244b7.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1973249/cf5f04ea-68ca-4b85-b16f-cb89039244b7) There are a few different reasons that sprinklers need to be replaced, most of which can be visually identified: - **Loaded Sprinkler** A loaded sprinkler is a sprinkler that is covered in dust, dirt, debris, or grease that is difficult to remove without touching the sprinkler. It can be difficult to clean a sprinkler without accidentally activating it. If cleaning the fire sprinkler requires wiping or scrubbing with a cleaning solution, then the sprinkler needs to be replaced. - **Painted Sprinkler** Never paint sprinklers or cover plates. If a fire sprinkler has been painted, it needs to be replaced. A [painted sprinkler](https://blog.koorsen.com/rules-regarding-covering-fire-sprinkler-heads-in-paint-booths) can be compromised, which may cause the sprinkler to malfunction. - **Leaks, Rust, Corrosion, Damage** Any sight of leaking water is an issue that needs to be addressed immediately. The sprinkler could be leaking due to damaged or defective equipment, tight fittings, improper installation, or lack of maintenance services. Corrosion is common when dealing with water. If the corrosion is ignored, it could lead to even bigger problems, such as holes in the sprinkler system pipes. The best way to identify corrosion is if there is a rotten egg smell, signs of rust, or the water is coming out discolored. Damage to a sprinkler (or pipe) could have been caused by renovation or construction, vandalism, or even just normal wear and tear. If the sprinkler is in an area that could be susceptible to damages, it’s best to install a protective cage around the sprinkler. - **Plunge Test Failure** A [plunge test](https://blog.koorsen.com/sprinkler-testing-on-quick-response-sprinklers-what-you-need-to-know) is done on a sprinkler based on the installation date, or the manufacture date if the installation date is unknown. These tests are done periodically depending on the specific type of sprinklers that have been installed. The test should be completed on a random sample of sprinklers (different floors, rooms, etc.) to be sure different environments in the facility are represented. During the test, each sprinkler is placed in a plunge oven where they are subjected to a defined temperature and velocity that is similar to a fire. The time it takes for the sprinklers to activate are notated. If any fire sprinkler fails to activate in the appropriate amount of time, all sprinklers within the system should be replaced. ## Be Safe – Have an Expert Assess Your Sprinklers If you find any signs of an issue with your sprinklers or your fire sprinkler system, it is best to call a [fire sprinkler system professional](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-sprinkler-systems/), like Koorsen Fire & Security, right away. They can conduct an inspection and indicate whether you’re in need of a repair or replacement of any kind. Koorsen Fire & Security has been in business for over 70 years. Our [factory-trained and certified technicians](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/training-center/)install and maintain fire sprinkler systems and can assist you with all of your inspection and maintenance needs. If you are uncertain whether your sprinklers need to be replaced, give Koorsen Fire & Security a call. We will send one of our highly trained technicians to assess your sprinklers and answer any questions you may have. [![Fire Sprinkler Questions? Click to Contact Us Now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1973249/cf5f04ea-68ca-4b85-b16f-cb89039244b7.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1973249/cf5f04ea-68ca-4b85-b16f-cb89039244b7)   - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Topics: [Inspection/Testing](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/inspectiontesting), [Fire Sprinkler Systems](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-sprinkler-systems) ## Contact Us Now! *Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only. It is believed to be reliable, but Koorsen Fire & Security assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this article. It does not constitute professional advice. The user of this article or the product(s) is responsible for verifying the information's accuracy from all available sources, including the product manufacturer. The authority having jurisdiction should be contacted for code interpretations.*  ### Related posts [How to Be Ready for a Fire Marshal Inspection](https://blog.koorsen.com/how-to-be-ready-for-a-fire-marshal-inspection) [Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Requirements for Fire Alarm Systems](https://blog.koorsen.com/inspection-testing-and-maintenance-requirements-for-fire-alarm-systems) [OSHA Fire Protection and Prevention Regulations & Responsibilities](https://blog.koorsen.com/osha-fire-protection-and-prevention-regulations-responsibilities) [When to Upgrade Your Commercial Fire Alarm System](https://blog.koorsen.com/when-to-upgrade-your-commercial-fire-alarm-system) [When Do I Get My Fire Extinguisher Inspected?](https://blog.koorsen.com/when-do-i-get-my-fire-extinguisher-inspected) [![Questions! Contact Us Now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1973249/27550866-4d2c-46fb-8ec4-ef118de52673.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1973249/27550866-4d2c-46fb-8ec4-ef118de52673) ### SEARCH OUR BLOG This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ### Subscribe to Our Blog ### Recent Posts ### CATEGORIES - [Commercial Security (111)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/commercial-security) - [Fire Protection (109)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-protection) - [Fire Extinguisher (77)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-extinguisher) - [Fire Alarm Systems (75)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-alarm-systems) - [Fire Safety & Security (73)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-safety-security) - [Koorsen News (73)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/koorsen-news) - [Fire Sprinkler Systems (67)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-sprinkler-systems) - [Fire Safety (61)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-safety) - [Access Control Systems (45)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/access-control-systems) - [Fire Suppression (43)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-suppression) - [Inspection/Testing (43)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/inspectiontesting) - [Small Business Security (39)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/small-business-security) - [Kitchen Fire Suppression (37)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/kitchen-fire-suppression) - [Video Surveillance (30)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/video-surveillance) - [Fire Training (24)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-training) - [Restaurant Industry (24)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/restaurant-industry) - [Emergency/Exit Lighting (22)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/emergency-exit-lighting) - [Monitoring (20)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/monitoring) - [NFPA (19)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/nfpa) - [Education Industry (18)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/education-industry) - [Commercial Kitchen (17)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/commercial-kitchen) - [Training & Education (15)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/training-education) - [Fire Pumps (12)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-pumps) - [Healthcare Industry (12)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/healthcare-industry) - [Property Management Industry (10)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/property-management-industry) - [Bi-Directional Amplifier (9)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/bi-directional-amplifier) - [Emergency Notification (9)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/emergency-notification) - [General (9)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/general) - [Nurse Call System (9)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/nurse-call-system) - [Kasey Program (8)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/kasey-program) - [Restaurant (8)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/restaurant) - [Education (7)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/education) - [Property Management (7)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/property-management) - [Construction Industry (6)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/construction-industry) - [Koorsen Family Foundation (6)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/koorsen-family-foundation) - [Press (6)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/press) - [Retail Industry (6)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/retail-industry) - [Mobile Equipment (4)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/mobile-equipment) - [Vehicle Fire Suppression (4)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/vehicle-fire-suppression) - [Awards (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/awards) - [Dry Chem Suppression (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/dry-chem-suppression) - [Engineering (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/engineering) - [Hospitality Industry (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/hospitality-industry) - [Long Term Care (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/long-term-care) - [Podcast (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/podcast) - [Industrial (2)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/industrial) - [Infographics (2)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/infographics) - [KnoxBox (2)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/knoxbox) - [Backflow Preventer (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/backflow-preventer) - [Construction (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/construction) - [Distributed Antenna Systems (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/distributed-antenna-systems) - [Flame Detection (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/flame-detection) - [Government (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/government) - [Home Security (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/home-security) - [The Joint Commission (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/the-joint-commission) - [Underground Services (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/underground-services) see all ### ALL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES - [Fire Extinguishers](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-extinguishers/) - [General Fire Products](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/general-fire-products/) - [Emergency/Exit Lighting](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/emergency-exit-lighting/) - [Fire Alarm Systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-alarm-systems/) - [Fire Sprinkler Systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-sprinkler-systems/) - [Kitchen Fire Suppression](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/kitchen-hood-fire-suppression/) - [Fire Suppression Systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-suppression-systems/) - [Commercial Security](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/security/commercial-security/) - [Emergency Notification](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/emergency-notification/) - [Communications](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/) - [Home Security](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/security/home-security/) - [Nurse Call Systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/nurse-call-systems/) ### OTHER COMPANIES - [KOORSEN ENVIRONMENTAL](https://koorsenes.com/) - [KOORSEN FACILITIES MANAGEMENT](https://www.koorsenfm.com/) ### CONTACT KOORSEN [866-311-7753](tel:8663117753) [info@koorsen.com](mailto:info@koorsen.com) - [FAQS](https://www.koorsen.com/faq/) - [KOORSEN CAREERS](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/careers/) - [MEDIA RELATIONS](https://www.koorsen.com/media-relations/) - [TRANSPARENCY IN COVERAGE](https://www.koorsen.com/transparency-in-coverage/) © 2026 Koorsen Fire & Security | [PRIVACY POLICY](https://www.koorsen.com/privacy-policy/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Koorsen Fire & Security", "url" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/author/koorsen-fire-security" }, "dateModified" : "2022-07-07T20:10:17.537Z", "datePublished" : "2019-02-19T15:19:24.000Z", "headline" : "Do Sprinklers Need to be Replaced Often?", "image" : [ "https://blog.koorsen.com/hubfs/Blogs/Products%20and%20Services/Fire%20Sprinkler/Sprinkler%20Images/ThinkstockPhotos-485980813.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/do-sprinklers-need-to-be-replaced-often", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/hubfs/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png" }, "name" : "Koorsen Fire & Security - - -" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "", "addressLocality" : "Indianapolis", "addressRegion" : "IN", "postalCode" : "46218", "streetAddress" : "2719 N Arlington Ave " }, "alternateName" : "Koorsen", "description" : "Since 1946, people have trusted Koorsen to protect and secure their businesses and homes.", "email" : "https://www.koorsen.com/", "image" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png?width=209&name=koorsen-logo.png", "logo" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/1973249/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/do-sprinklers-need-to-be-replaced-often", "@type" : "WebPage", "description" : "Sprinklers, commonly referred to as “sprinkler heads”, need to be inspected annually and tested on a 5, 10, 20 or 50-year basis depending on the sprinkler type and their environment. If you find any signs of an issue with your sprinklers or your fire sprinkler system, it is best to call a fire sprinkler system professional, like Koorsen Fire & Security, right away. They can conduct an inspection and indicate whether you’re in need of a repair or replacement of any kind." }, "naics" : "238220", "name" : "Koorsen Fire & Security Headquarters", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/pages/Koorsen-Fire-Security/173081436052031", "https://twitter.com/koorsenfire", "http://www.linkedin.com/company/koorsen-fire-and-security", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU0ncdcrEYAjDHIcGGgJ3KQ", "https://www.instagram.com/koorsenfire/?hl=en" ], "telephone" : "", "url" : "https://www.koorsen.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Koorsen Fire & Security" }, "dateModified" : "July 7, 2022, 8:10:17 PM", "datePublished" : "2019-02-19 15:19:24", "description" : "Sprinklers, commonly referred to as “sprinkler heads”, need to be inspected annually and tested on a 5, 10, 20 or 50-year basis depending on the sprinkler type and their environment. If you find any signs of an issue with your sprinklers or your fire sprinkler system, it is best to call a fire sprinkler system professional, like Koorsen Fire & Security, right away. They can conduct an inspection and indicate whether you’re in need of a repair or replacement of any kind.", "headline" : "Do Sprinklers Need to be Replaced Often?", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/1973249/Blogs/Products%20and%20Services/Fire%20Sprinkler/Sprinkler%20Images/ThinkstockPhotos-485980813.jpg" }, "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/do-sprinklers-need-to-be-replaced-often", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/1973249/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png" }, "name" : "Koorsen Fire & Security Headquarters" } } ```