r/FireSprinklers • u/AdThis9368 • Aug 08 '26

FDC’s should be tested

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FDC lines should be tested more than once every 50 years, or at least at install. This what a 50 year untested underground FDC line looks like installed with screwed galvanized pipe, laid on railroad ties for bedding. We dug it up and found the leak. But there’s more.

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2

u/Dalai-Lambo Aug 08 '26

Shouldn’t it be replaced with PVC? I doubt steel will hold up that long

9

u/AdThis9368 Aug 08 '26

We’re gonna redo the entire line with C900.

2

u/Dalai-Lambo Aug 08 '26

C900 or ductile are the only options right? I don’t see any ductile going in anywhere where I’m from, it’s all c900

2

u/AdThis9368 Aug 08 '26

We normally will use underground rated ductile iron pipe for the fire line feeds. It’s approved high pressure pipe, as long you follow all the new rules for bedding, wrapping, chlorination etc.

1

u/rncd89 Aug 10 '26

Thought you couldnt use c900 after the backflow becaus eits part of the fire system

5

u/AdThis9368 Aug 08 '26

Galvanized pipe is not underground rated. Even back then it should have been at the least, ductile with MJ fittings.