Why Fire Suppression Leak Protection Matters After Installation

Recent industry discussions have reignited concern over poor firestopping practices – and with good reason. Incompatible or hastily applied firestopping materials can place undue stress on pipework, while unplanned penetrations or post-installation rework can compromise sealed areas. These issues often go unnoticed until much later, when hidden leaks emerge and cause significant disruption long after project completion.

Leaks in automatic water fire suppression systems (AWFSS) don’t always appear straight away – they can develop months or even years after installation. When leaks occur post-handover, they often lead to:

Water damage to ceilings, finishes, or insulation
Disruption to residents or building users
Costly access and repair work
Compromise of sealed or fire resistant compartments

The Risk for Automatic Fire Suppression Systems

Automatic water fire suppression systems (AWFSS), such as sprinklers or water mist, typically require pipework to pass through ceilings, risers, and service voids – the areas where effective fire stopping is essential.

If a leak is detected after these areas have been sealed, installers are often forced to reopen finished compartments. This adds time, cost, and risk – compromising the building’s overall fire strategy.

For more information regarding the risks associated with automatic water fire suppression systems (AWFSS), please visit The Flow Controller from iCO^®.

The iCO^® Flow Controller: Automatic Protection Against Leaks

Leaks in fire suppression systems don’t always happen during installation – they can emerge months or even years after project completion – often due to long-term stress, material incompatibility, or gradual pipework degradation.

The iCO^® Flow Controller’s automatic shut-off feature is designed to catch these events the moment they occur.

It continuously monitors for excessive flow within the system.
If a leak or rupture develops, the Flow Controller automatically stops
the water supply, helping to minimise damage.
This quick response reduces the risk of flooding, protects fire compartments from being compromised, and avoids costly disruption to occupied spaces.

Even with thorough commissioning, post-completion failures can happen. The Flow Controller adds a critical layer of protection, giving installers, property developers, and building owners peace of mind that the system is safeguarded for the long-term.

Built-in Protection for the Life of the Building

Poor fire stopping isn’t just a construction issue, it’s a risk that can resurface long after the build is complete. By incorporating automated flow shut-off, the Flow Controller from iCO^® helps ensure that any future leaks are contained before they cause major damage to the property.

Whether you’re an installer, developer, or fire consultant, choosing smart, self-protecting components like this means:

Reduced risk of post-occupancy water damage
Better protection of sealed voids and firestopped areas
Greater long-term confidence in system integrity and compliance

The iCO^® Flow Controller can be easily retrofitted to existing fire suppression systems or integrated as part of a new system design for domestic and residential properties.