As a landlord, you might own one or several properties but you will be fully aware of the responsibility and laws that you have to follow. These are in place for a reason as you have to make sure that your property is safe and fit for purpose. This ensures that all tenants, as well as the public, are protected.
While you might adhere to many different regulations such as regular electrical checks, gas checks and roofing inspections, have you ever considered why you might need a sprinkler tank inspection?
Fire Safety is a Priority
Yes, we all know that fires occur infrequently but that is not an attitude or approach to take when you are a landlord. A fire can happen from virtually nothing but in a matter of minutes, it can engulf a property and put those inside at risk. Therefore, you have to consider fire safety a priority in the same way as you do with your electrical and gas systems.
You have a duty to ensure that you protect those who use your property or live there but you also have to protect your assets which is why a good fire system is vital – it can save lives and your property. Therefore, it makes sense to invest in a sprinkler system but what about ensuring it is all in good working order?
If a fire occurs and someone dies or becomes seriously injured then the responsibility could fall to you. If you are found to not have the right systems in place or a system that is ineffective, you will be held responsible and with that could come a wide range of problems.
Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to make sure that you protect yourself and others and this is where a sprinkler tank inspection can really make a difference.
Inspection and Insurance
As a landlord, you will need to have insurance in place by law but if you want to make sure that your insurance is valid then you need to make sure that all systems are in good working order. Your sprinkler tank is a vital part of your fire safety system and regular checks will make sure that the tank is in prime condition and that the system is in working order. As a result, if a fire should occur and you need to make a claim, your insurance company will not deem your insurance to be void because your water tank has a defect.
The Water Remains Safe
Water that sits in a sprinkler tank is going to be stagnant and that alone can bring with it a range of problems. Therefore, the water has to be maintained so that it does not harbour bacteria such as Legionella which can increase the risk of legionnaires disease.
Furthermore, if you allow rust to form within your tank, this could cause problems should your sprinkler system be required. As rust is formed from a reaction between iron and oxygen, it means that the water will contain less oxygen. So, when the water is released, it will take oxygen from the atmosphere which means that oxygen levels are depleted for those in the vicinity. This can lead to confusion, fainting and even death which might be an issue you might not have even considered.
So, all of this points toward why you need to have your sprinkler tank inspected regularly. You might not know when you need it but when it is called into action, it is good to know that it is in perfect working order.
