Dry Fire Sprinkler Systems

Are you ready for winter? An expertly installed and well-maintained dry fire sprinkler system will ensure that you are. Fire danger doesn’t go away when it gets cold out – but fire protection becomes more complex. Dry fire sprinklers help ensure readiness by preventing pipe freezes, so your system can react quickly when called upon.

Dry fire sprinkler systems are filled with pressurized air instead of water, which prevents freezing, but they still need seasonal maintenance. Schedule your winter readiness inspection with Vanport Mechanical & Fire Sprinklers Inc. to check drains, compressors, and valves. We also provide maintenance, repairs, and dry fire sprinkler installation in Vancouver WA and the Portland OR Metro Area.

For a complimentary estimate, give us a call today.

What Is a Dry Fire Sprinkler System?

Unlike wet pipe fire sprinkler systems, which keep water in the pipes year-round, a dry fire sprinkler system is filled with pressurized air or nitrogen. Water is held back at the system’s control valve until a sprinkler activates — then, air is released, allowing water to flow out.

This design prevents water from sitting in pipes where it could freeze and cause pipe bursts — but it also means dry systems require regular inspection and maintenance, especially before winter.

Dry systems are commonly used in areas that are fully or partially exposed to freezing temperatures, such as:

• Parking garages
• Unheated warehouses or storage spaces
• Loading docks
• Attics or exterior breezeways

Dry Fire Sprinkler System Services We Provide

If a fire were to break out during the cold season, a dry fire sprinkler system can be the difference between a minor setback and a major catastrophe. But to ensure your dry system can protect your business, it needs to be in good working order.

Dry sprinkler systems are highly complex. So, for example, if your air compressor is not cycling properly, or your drum drips aren’t draining all of the residual moisture, your system may have issues.

Our expert dry sprinkler technicians are fully trained and experienced at checking every individual component, so you can be sure your system is ready to work. Our team understands these systems inside and out, and we know how to catch problems before they start.

From dry sprinkler installations to complicated repairs to routine servicing, Vanport Mechanical & Fire Sprinklers Inc. offers comprehensive dry system services to keep your property protected all season long:

• Annual and Quarterly Inspections: We perform NFPA 25-compliant inspections to check valve operation, air pressure levels, and low-point drains.
• Trip Tests and Valve Maintenance: Testing ensures the valve opens as intended and that water reaches the system promptly during activation.
• Air Compressor Servicing: We verify compressors are cycling properly and moisture traps are clean.
• Low-Point Drain Checks: Before freezing temperatures hit, we drain residual water and confirm all drum drips and auxiliary drains are functioning correctly.
• Emergency Service and Repairs: If you experience low air alarms, leaks, or freeze-ups, our technicians are on call to troubleshoot and get your system back online quickly.

Why Winter Readiness for Your Dry Sprinkler System Is Critical

As cold weather approaches, even small maintenance oversights can lead to big problems. Condensation buildup, low air pressure, or improper drainage can cause:

• Frozen pipes or trapped water
• Corrosion and air leaks
• False trips or delayed water delivery during a fire
• Preparing your dry systems in the fall ensures they stay reliable and compliant throughout the winter months.

Protect Your Business with a Dry System Before It’s Too Late

When temperatures drop in the Pacific Northwest, your building’s fire protection systems face new challenges. Understanding how these systems work and how to maintain them before winter can save you from costly damage and downtime. Now is the time to schedule your winter readiness inspection. A proactive service visit can help prevent freeze damage, system downtime, and costly emergency calls later on.

Contact Vanport Mechanical & Fire Sprinklers Inc. today to schedule installation, maintenance, or request a dry system inspection — and keep your fire protection systems ready when it matters most.