The purpose of a dry pipe valve is to prevent what from occurring?

The purpose of a dry pipe valve is fundamentally to prevent water from being present in the piping system until a fire is detected, which directly addresses the concern of water freezing in pipes. In climates where temperatures drop below freezing, water held in the pipes of a fire suppression system can expand when it freezes, potentially leading to pipe bursts and system failure. By utilizing a dry pipe valve, the system remains filled with air or nitrogen until the valve activates, allowing water to flow only when needed during a fire event. This design is critical in protecting the integrity of the fire protection system and ensuring its reliability when responding to a fire.