Fire sprinkler head covers are a very important and integral component of any fire sprinkler system. Normally, sprinkler heads are installed in the ceilings to ensure that they can detect fire right away and put out the fire as well. And sprinkler head covers are installed in the ceilings to cover the gap between the ceiling tile/drywall and the sprinkler head.
So does this means that the fire sprinkler covers are only used for aesthetic purposes? Actually, these are also important to ensure the proper functioning of the sprinkler head and the overall fire sprinkler system. Without a fire sprinkler head cover, smoke and heat can pass through the gap between the ceiling and the sprinkler head, thus delaying the activation of the fire sprinkler system.
To put it short, sprinkler head covers make your ceilings look good while also ensuring the early detection of fire and thus life safety.
Choosing the Right Type of Fire Sprinkler Head Cover
Choosing the right type of head cover depends on the manufacturer of the fire sprinkler head used in your home. This means that each head cover will be different for different sprinkler heads, and that's why you have to carefully check the manufacturer of your fire sprinkler system first.
You can easily find different types of head covers of different sizes - So before we move on to removing and replacing the fire sprinkler head cover, check the manufacturer first and get a new sprinkler head cover that will be used for replacement.
Different Types of Fire Sprinkler Head Covers (sprinkler head covers)
Let's have a look at different types of sprinkler head covers which are commonly used:
1. Adjustable
- Skirt
- Cup
2. Flat
If the flush sprinkler head is extended from the ceiling/wall or is recessed, then we use a flat fire sprinkler head cover in this case.
3. Recessed
That's the one which is most commonly used in the ceiling tiles and drywall. A recessed fire sprinkler head cover consists of two parts:
- Inner Ring
- Outer Ring
The outer ring of the sprinkler head cover covers the gap, and the inner ring is used to encircle and properly cover the recessed sprinkler head.
Why Replace the Fire Sprinkler Head Covers?
Normally, the fire sprinkler heads come with the manufacturer's built sprinkler head cover, but over time, these head covers can get damaged, rusted, painted, or discolored. Yes, you have read that right - The head cover plates must not be painted to ensure that they continue to function as they are intended and can detect fire/smoke right away.
As you can see, there are a lot of reasons which can force you to replace the fire sprinkler head covers. When we talk about fire sprinkler systems in homes, they are very useful and ensure that fire is detected and put out right away - And the key to ensuring that this system works at maximum efficiency is the routine maintenance which also involves replacing the damaged fire sprinkler head covers.
How to Remove a Fire Sprinkler Head Cover
It is actually very easy to remove a sprinkler head cover, and you can do it yourself. Let's have a look at the steps to properly remove the head cover:
- First, get yourself a ladder so you can reach the ceiling/wall where the sprinkler head is located.
- Whenever you are working on top of a ladder, make sure you have someone holding the ladder or looking over you for safety purposes.
- Climb up the ladder and reach the fire sprinkler head cover.
- Normally, the sprinkler head cover is threaded and screwed into the sprinkler head base. So in order to remove it, simply unscrew it (by turning it left).
- If the sprinkler head cover continues to spin freely but is not unscrewing, it means that it is a 'push-on' type. So firmly pull the sprinkler head cover to remove it.
If you still can't remove the sprinkler head cover, then try looking for a tutorial on YouTube to see how to remove that particular model of the sprinkler head cover. But normally, you can easily remove it yourself by following this tutorial.
Buying a New Sprinkler Head Cover
Once the sprinkler head cover is removed, the next step is to buy a new one. You can easily find the manufacturer and the model number, which is usually printed on the sprinkler head cover. Using this information, you can either order it online or get it from your nearby store, which sells these types of items.
Once again, it is important to get the same type of sprinkler head cover that was used before to ensure that it fits properly and doesn't cause any problems with the fire sprinkler system as well!
Sometimes, the printed information on the cover plates may have been removed due to environmental factors. If that's the case, then do not panic! You can also find the relevant information by looking at the sprinkler deflectors. But if all else fails, simply take the cover plate with you to the nearby store and get a replacement!
How to Install a Fire Sprinkler Head Cover
Once you have bought a replacement for the sprinkler head cover, now it is time to install it:
- Once again, use the ladder and place it below the sprinkler head.
- Climb up the ladder.
- Install the new sprinkler head cover by twisting it or pushing it on (depending on the type of sprinkler head cover).
- Congratulations! You have successfully replaced the sprinkler head cover by yourself!
- If you can't install the new one and have tried everything, then it is better to hire a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let's have a look at the FAQs related to this topic:
1. Is it easy to replace the fire sprinkler head cover by myself?
2. What is the cost of a fire sprinkler head cover?
3. Can I paint the sprinkler head cover?
Final Thoughts
On the surface, it may appear as if the sprinkler head cover is just a useless part of the heat sprinkler system, which doesn't add any value besides the aesthetics! But in reality, it is actually very important and ensures the smooth performance and full efficiency of the system!
It is common for the sprinkler head covers to stop functioning or fall off, and replacing/installing a new one is quite easy!