Most commercial buildings in Houston have more than one fire protection system. Each one comes with its own inspection requirements, compliance schedule, and documentation. Managing that across different contractors means separate calls, separate invoices, and separate service records. Things fall through the cracks. Deadlines get missed. And the fire marshal doesn’t accept “our vendor didn’t follow up as an answer.
Kauffman Co. covers fire protection inspections across every major system type for commercial properties throughout the Greater Houston area. One licensed team. One service record. One call gets it scheduled. Call (713) 937-4144 or contact us online to schedule your inspection.
NFPA 25 sets the standard for fire sprinkler system inspections: annual service at minimum, with more extensive five-year internal inspections required for wet pipe and dry pipe systems. Our licensed technicians test waterflow, verify heads for obstruction and corrosion, check control valves and pressure gauges, and document every deficiency. If something needs attention, we take care of it before we leave, or schedule a follow-up within 72 hours when parts aren’t on the truck.
Learn more: Fire Sprinkler Inspection
Texas fire code requires a full annual inspection and test of your fire alarm system by a licensed contractor. Our technicians test every device: smoke detectors, pull stations, horn strobes, and duct detectors. They inspect the control panel and verify that monitoring is active and connected. Batteries and backup power get tested. Every deficiency gets documented. You receive a complete inspection report after every visit, ready for your fire marshal and insurance carrier.
Learn more: Fire Alarm Inspection and Testing
Most commercial fire suppression systems require semi-annual inspections under Texas fire code: kitchen hood systems, clean agent systems, and foam systems all fall under this requirement. That’s two visits a year, with documentation after each one. We verify agent levels, discharge nozzles, detection components, manual release functions, and enclosure integrity. For restaurant operators and building managers with commercial kitchens, this isn’t optional. It’s a code requirement, and the fire marshal knows when it’s overdue.
Learn more: Fire Suppression Inspection and Maintenance
Fire pumps are the pressure backbone of a sprinkler system. If the pump fails, the system fails. NFPA 25 requires annual inspection and flow testing to confirm the pump delivers adequate pressure and volume when it’s needed. We test pump operation, check controller and pressure settings, inspect the driver and coupling, and document the results. Weekly churn tests are also recommended to keep the pump in ready condition between annual visits.
Learn more: Fire Pump Inspection
NFPA10 requires an annual inspection of every fire extinguisher in your facility by a licensed professional. That’s not a monthly visual check by your maintenance staff. It’s a full inspection covering pressure, condition, mounting, signage, and service tags. We inspect all extinguisher types, recharge on the spot if needed, and document everything. Walk-in service is also available at our Houston location Monday through Friday, 8 a.m to 5 p.m. No appointment needed.
Learn more: Fire Extinguisher Inspection
Commercial kitchen hood and vent systems require semi-annual inspections under NFPA 96. Our technicians inspect hood filters, ductwork, fan assemblies, and the suppression system for grease buildup, proper clearances, and system integrity. An inspection catches grease accumulation, blocked filters, and clearance issues before they become citations or worse.
Annual backflow preventer testing is required by most municipalities and water authorities. Our technicians test check valves and relief valves, document the results, and submit reports to the appropriate authority having jurisdiction. Failing check values are one of the more common issues we find, and one of the easier ones to correct before it becomes a citation.
Standpipes and hose systems require annual inspection and testing per NFPA 25, including pressure testing, hose condition, and valve operation. Our team also checks emergency lighting systems as part of a thorough inspection visit and note any battery or fixture issues that need attention.
Switching contractors shouldn’t mean starting over. We inspect and service fire protection systems regardless of who installed them. It’s some of the most common work we do.
When multiple systems are due at the same time, we send the right technicians to complete the work. If more than one visit is required, they are scheduled consecutively. One access request. We communicate ahead of time about access requirements and coordinate service around your schedule. If something arises during inspection, we’ll talk through options before moving forward.
We track every client’s inspection schedule. When a system is coming due, we contact you first, so the deadline doesn’t sneak up on you and you’re not scrambling to get compliant before a fire marshal visit.
Full inspection reports, deficiency documentation with photos and descriptions, and corrective action records, all delivered by email after each inspection. Your full service history is maintained for the life of your relationship with us, searchable by address, building, or company. Ready when your fire marshal or insurance carrier asks for it.
Requirements vary by occupancy type, insurance, local jurisdiction, and system age, which may affect your inspection frequency. Kauffman Co. tracks these schedules for every client and reaches out before service is due based on each customer’s individual needs.
See below for most common inspection frequencies:
System |
Common Inspection Frequency |
|---|---|
| Fire sprinkler systems | Annually; 5-year internal inspection |
| Fire alarm systems | Annually |
| Fire suppression systems | Semi-annually (most systems) |
| Fire pumps | Annually; weekly churn tests recommended |
| Fire extinguishers | Annually: 6-year internal maintenance; 12-year hydrostatic test |
| Kitchen hood systems | Semi-annually |
| Backflow preventers | Annually (most jurisdictions) |
| Standpipes and hose systems | Annually |
Yes. Inspecting systems installed by other contractors is some of the most common work we do. If you’re switching contractors or taking over a building with existing systems, we can step in, assess the current condition, get the inspection history up to date, and take over the service schedule from there.
We do our best to coordinate technicians to show up on the same day when multiple systems are due. For larger buildings or complex systems, we may send multiple technicians to complete everything efficiently. Our goal is to get in, get out, and get out of your way. We’ll communicate with you ahead of time about anything that needs to happen: water shutoffs, alarm notifications, or room access. No surprises on inspection day.
After every inspection, you receive a full report delivered by email. If deficiencies are found, the report includes descriptions and photos of each issue along with corrective action documentation. Your complete inspection history is maintained for the life of your relationship with Kauffman Co. That history is what your fire marshal and insurance carrier will ask for. We make sure it’s ready when they do.
Typically within one to two weeks. If you’ve received a fire marshal notice or are working against a deadline, let us know. We’ll do our best to prioritize the scheduling. After-hours and weekend inspections are available for facilities that can’t take downtime during business hours.
Kauffman Co. is a licensed, family-owned fire protection contractor serving the Greater Houston area since 2006, with a family history in fire and life safety dating back to 1947.
Fire system inspections across every system: one team, one service record, one call to schedule.
Call (713) 937-4144 or complete the contact form for a callback within 24 hours.
