Frequently Asked Questions

You maybe concerned about installing a domestic fire sprinkler system in your home, this maybe due to a few misconceptions that you have: Here we attempt to answer a few of the more common questions regarding sprinklers. If you have any questions not covered here please contact us.

Do sprinklers go off accidentally?

It is possible for a sprinkler to discharge accidentally. If a sprinkler is not subjected to freezing, overheating, or mechanical damage, statistics show that only 1 in 16,000,000 sprinklers per year will open accidentally.

What about water damage?

During a fire, only sprinkler(s) closest to the fire activate, limiting the total amount of water needed to suppress a fire. The amount of water which is put on a fire by fire brigade hoses in an unsprinklered building is nearly always 10 times more than that which sprinklers would have discharged by a sprinkler system.

What About Smoke?

Smoke, a by-product of fire is often the cause of death of occupants. Although smoke is produced as fire sprinklers extinguish a fire, The quantity of smoke is greatly reduced when compared to the amount of smoke be produced by an unsprinklered fire permitted to grow.

Modern fire sprinklers operate several times faster than older types thereby attacking the fire earlier when it is smaller, thus reducing smoke output yet further.

Will The Sprinkler System operate when needed?

Operation of a fire sprinkler system is simple, only the sprinkler which is affected by heat from the fire will operate and it is fed from a simple connection to the mains water supply. If there is water in the mains and the stopcock is open water can be delivered to the seat of the fire.

Aren't sprinklers ugly?

Modern domestic sprinklers generally blend into the décor of a room. As with central heating, the pipes can be concealed behind ceilings. Sprinkler heads are also available in a range of colours and sizes.

Will special tanks and pumps be required?

In most instances domestic sprinklers operate from the domestic water supply and do not require any special water supplies or pumps.

What about installation?

Installing a residential sprinkler system is similar to the installation of a conventional domestic plumbing system.

How much does a sprinkler system cost?

Generally a system for a new property would be 1-2% of the total build cost. To fit a sprinkler system to a house that is already built will cost a few thousand pounds. To obtain a more specific quote please contact us.