Nondestructive internal 5-year sprinkler inspection. YES - This is a thing and it is possible to do your internal inspections without tearing apart the piping.
NFPA 25 (2011) 14.2.1.1 allows for alternative nondestructive examination methods.
NFPA 25 requires that 50% of sprinkler systems are internally inspected every 5-years.
This specific method of nondestructive testing utilizing ultrasound technology to check for pipe wall thickness, blockage, presence of water (for dry pipe/preaction), presence of air (for wet) is faster, less expensive, and data-driven to provide consistency across all systems.
There are other methods such as x-ray and remote video and both have pros and cons. I have used remote video inspections for spot checks, but this method specifically provides a standardized data-driven approach that allows for HFMs a better method for capital asset management. Find issues early and prepare for section replacement before the pipe fails.
