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Fire services may not be a concern if you live in a single-family home. However, understanding fire services is crucial if you own a factory, office, school, or apartment complex.
Fire services ensure firefighters have access to water where and when it’s needed in case of a fire emergency. Established over a century ago in Melbourne (since 1891), fire services play a vital role in fire safety.
Fire hydrants, like the ones you see on the street, provide essential water access for firefighters to combat building fires. The sheer volume and pressure of the water can be witnessed when a hydrant breaks, reaching impressive heights. These hydrants are connected to the water mains in the streets but branch off before the water meter, ensuring residents are not billed for any excess water used during firefighting efforts.
Plumbers extend large pipes from the street to the designated areas, such as sprinkler systems commonly found in car parks, offices, and apartments, ensuring sufficient water supply for fire suppression.
Fire services have a long history, and so do the pipes supplying hydrants and sprinkler systems. If your building predates 1960, chances are it’s equipped with Galvanised Iron piping. Some plumbers continued using this material up to 1990. While once the go-to choice, as time progresses, so does our understanding. Today, it’s evident that much of the Galvanised Iron piping is reaching a critical point in its lifespan, prone to failure. When these pipes fail, the consequences can be severe, causing unnoticed leaks or significant damage to the surrounding area, including roads and structures.
O’Shea Plumbing is certified in fire service repairs and replacements with extensive experience with large-scale works, including those involving sizable pipes and lengthy runs. O’Shea Plumbing has repaired fire services ranging from small factories upgrading their supply and hydrants to overhauling entire fire services in schools.
How do I know if my fire service is leaking, needs repair or upgrade
Unlike domestic water leaks, fire service leaks don’t reflect excessive charges on your water bill since they’re connected before your water meter.
- If you notice water surfacing from concrete, wet patches in the garden, or water overflowing onto footpaths.
- Sinkholes may appear, and water might even spray into the air.
- Water authorities might alert you, typically giving a 7-day window to address the issue.
If you observe any of these indicators, it’s wise to seek assistance from a plumber, although not all may specialise in this type of repair.
O’Shea Plumbing has been working in this field for over 45 years and has great knowledge, skill, and dedication to maintaining the safety of Melbourne as well as working with smaller but no less important domestic water main leaks.
For an obligation-free quote/consultation don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Oshea Plumbing office on 9888 2887.
A recent job that O’Shea Plumbing has been called out for – the client stated they think they have a water leak.
A burst in the fire services under the road had eroded the stabilising soil under the road, allowing the road to collapse in on itself.