Home Sprinkler Systems: What You Need To Know

You’ve probably seen a sprinkler head installed in the ceiling of a store, school, or office. These small, powerful devices can save lives and stop fire damage.

There are numerous deaths from fires in homes each year. A residential sprinkler system might help to prevent these deaths.

These life-saving systems aren’t required to be installed in all homes by law. So, although they are not mandatory, they play an important role in fire safety. 

Why not all homes have sprinkler systems?

Many fear that if a fire sprinkler is triggered; the system will go off, flooding their homes and causing thousands of dollars more damage. Another common fear is that they will misfire or go off without reason.

These aren’t accurate representations of what sprinkler systems do.

A system misfire is possible, but it is unlikely to happen. But it’s highly likely that a home fire could break out because of how frequently we use fire inside our homes. This is an important aspect to take into account.

Although movies may show a building suddenly turning on sprinklers in all rooms, this is not true. The sprinkler system turns on only in the rooms that specifically activate it.

Financial damage is the last reason why sprinkler systems are not desired.

Home Fire Sprinklers— the types—

You can choose from two types of sprinkler systems to install in your home. Each has its positives and negatives, but they also provide protection for your family and home before the fire department arrives.

Stand-alone sprinkler systems— These systems can be used independently of the water supply. They are equipped with their own pipes and backflow devices. They require a water storage container.

Stand-alone sprinkler systems have one drawback: the water doesn’t circulate. This can cause stagnant water to be poured on the fire. This makes it possible for bacteria and mould to grow in the water.

The second type is multi-use units. They are connected to the plumbing in the house. Water circulates through the pipes every time it is used. This prevents it from staying stagnant. A flow alarm can also be installed in some units. This will save you time, and you will be able to call the fire department.

Multi-use units are common in modern construction. However, installing them is often expensive.

The functioning of home sprinkler systems—

Although each system may work differently, we wanted the basics to be clear so that there is no confusion.

Most systems are heat-activated. This means that the flame is not what triggers the water but the temperature in the room.

A few systems include a bulb that contains a liquid. This liquid expands when heated. The liquid expands when it reaches a certain temperature. Once that happens, the bulb bursts, and the water flows. Some units have soldered links that melt when they reach a certain temperature and turn on the system.

Once they are activated, they can pump between fifteen and twenty gallons per hour to put out the flames. Water will flow for as long as there is water, and the system is functional.

No matter how the sprinkler system works, you need to remember that they will only go off if it is extremely hot. It is usually around 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Contact a local dealer if you want to inquire about the home fire sprinkler system installation cost.