4 Things to Think About Before Having a Sprinkler System Installed
Before you have a fire sprinkler system installed, there are four things worth settling first: the type of system, where the water comes from, whether the pressure is good enough, and what other fire protection you need alongside it. Getting these right at the start saves costly changes later. More and more homes and commercial buildings are being fitted with sprinklers to reduce damage and protect lives if a fire breaks out.
From single-family homes and high-rise apartments to schools, hospitals, offices, and warehouses, almost every type of building can benefit from the safety that sprinkler systems provide.
However, before moving ahead, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are four key things to think about before planning your fire sprinkler installation:
1. Type of Sprinkler System
Contrary to popular belief, there isn’t just one kind of sprinkler system. In fact, there are several — including dry and wet sprinkler systems, which are the most common.
A wet pipe system keeps water in the pipes at all times, so it activates instantly when a fire is detected. A dry pipe system, on the other hand, holds pressurised air or nitrogen until a sprinkler head opens, at which point the pipes fill with water. Each has its own advantages depending on your building type and risk profile.
2. Water Supply
Where will your sprinkler system draw its water from? Most systems connect directly to the mains water supply, but this can leave you vulnerable to interruptions due to maintenance or supply faults.
For greater reliability, many systems incorporate a storage tank. Tanks can either hold enough water for a set duration (e.g. 30 minutes) or store a smaller amount to supplement the mains supply when needed. This ensures consistent water availability during an emergency.
3. Water Pressure
Every sprinkler system must meet minimum pressure and flow standards. So it’s vital to ask: is your water pressure sufficient?
As water companies note, they “do not guarantee to maintain any particular flow or pressure and do not accept liability in the event of water supply failure.”
If your property suffers from low pressure, you may need to install a pump and water tank, or consider water mist sprinklers designed for low-pressure systems. Your installer can assess this during the design phase.
4. Other Forms of Fire Protection
Sprinkler systems are a powerful tool for limiting damage and allowing safe evacuation, but they’re not a complete solution on their own. If your fire risk is higher — for instance, if you handle flammable materials — your sprinkler system should work alongside other fire protection measures.
This could include dry & wet risers, which enable firefighters to access water quickly once on-site, or additional passive fire protection like fire doors and compartmentation.
Need Expert Guidance?
If you’re unsure which system type suits your building, or how best to configure your water supply, the experts at Eversafe Fire Protection can help. We specialise in the design and installation of fire sprinkler systems across the UK, helping businesses and homeowners make informed, compliant choices.
Get in touch with us today for professional advice and a free consultation.