Sprinkler Systems

[217memo]

I think we should leave the fire sprinkler installation to a fire sprinkler fitter and the plumbing to a plumber. This is why there is an NFPA 13 for Fire Sprinklers. Nothing in there is for plumbing. If a plumber installs it. Let's hope he or she knows about codes and coverage. Trust me. There is more to sprinkler fitting than just doing it. Same goes for plumbing.

[CodeV75]

Many thanks for another informative video. Thanks also for recognizing that serious DIY'ers are very capable. I know that standards and codes and inspectors are all fine and well meaning.  In this economy however, many people are trying to get things done on limited dollars. I think a DIY fire sprinkler system, installed to the recommendations of the mfg, has to beat no fire sprinkler system, every time!

[bmfd669]

If i were having a new toilet installed, i wouldn't call a landscaper, even though he may know how to do some plumbing. If I were installing new outlets in my house i wouldn't call a furnace repairman, even though he may have basic knowledge of electricity. So why would I call a plumber to install a system that will, if installed properly, save my family's life as well as my home. Call a properly trained Sprinkler Fitter. They are the only people qualified to do the work.

[drcrawfs]

And lastly, in Pennsylvania, Effective January 1, 2010, all NEW multi family dwellings such as apartments and condos will required sprinklers and effective January 1, 2011, all NEW single family dwellings will require them.

[drcrawfs]

Secondly, it may only take 100 gallons to "extinguish" the fire, if you're lucky, but you also have to think, the sprinklers don't turn themselves off. As soon as the bulb or link is broke, it game on. Someone have to physically turn the water off, most likely in the basement. The house will be full of smoke, so the fire dept will have to do so, so your looking at a few hundred to a few thousand gallons depending on how long it takes to shut it off.

[drcrawfs]

I've posted before and i might have come acroos wrong. My point is, anyone can install sprinkler systems, but, they will not be rcognized by the insurance companies or the local Authorities Having Jurisdiction or Sire Marshals.

[AsktheBuilder]

@drcrawfs Can you show me on an insurance carrier's website or in a policy where they say this? Please don't make blanket statements like this without being able to back it up.

[ImJustIce1]

@AsktheBuilder Read the P2904 standards for 1 and 2 family dwellings, it will explain everything you need to know. A homeowner can install anything he chooses and the insurance company(s) WILL insure the installation (and in some cases offer a discount) as long as the system has been inspected and certified by the local AHJ (authority having jurisdiction).

[isakoner]

@AsktheBuilder

that is true. i can install a system in my own house and no one can stop me but

that doesnt mean the insurance will cover me. they will find reasons not to..

[bmfd669]

No, it's not rocket science....for that you should call a rocket scientist!

[mgreen1975]

fire sprinkler systems are not mandated by the local building code. residential or commercial fire protection systems have to be appoved by the local fire marshall and designed and installed by a certified fire sprinkler contractor.

[drcrawfs]

NFPA 13R is the standard for residential fire sprinklers. NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) writes all the standards for fire protection. It specifically states that a "Certified Contractor" is required to install said fire sprinklers. I don't mean to be a jerk about it, but, with the current economic status, most insurance carriers will definitely find a way to not cover the property that has a "home made" fire sprinkler system which is not in accordance with NFPA standards.

[AsktheBuilder]

I don't doubt what you say, but the bottom line in residential will be what the local building code officials mandate. We'll see how that shakes out in each city and town across America when sprinklers are finally mandated in new homes.

[dogdarkify]

@AsktheBuilder As for Australia, be it commercial or residential, design install and commisioning of any fire service need to be conducted by compentent tradesmen and those compentencies are determined in accordance with the appropriatre Australian Qualification Framework and state and federal licencing. Really strict over here, massive fines for installs not done to standard.

[toobyanbinoo]

the are meant to suppress fires and if it becomes extinguished then that's a bonus. Its not called a fire extinguish system. ITS IS CALLED A FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM. I'm a sprinkler fitter for the past 12 years.

[abbinightrider]

The purpose of sprinklers is not to extinguish a fire but to provide a escape route out of the bldg or house.These are life safety components. It's a bonus if they do put the fire out but the whole purpose for them is to make an escape route for people. You dont hear "fire sprinklers save homes and buildings". You hear "fire sprinklers save lives!"

[AsktheBuilder]

I believe you'll get an argument from the mfrs of sprinklers. They absolutely can extinguish fires. I've seen actual video of it happening. By default they save lives.

[abbinightrider]

i didn't say they couldn't. I was saying it is not the intent for the sprinkler to put out the fire. It is to provide enough time and an escape route for the people to exit the bldg or house. i know they can put out fires as well. So by default they can save your home or place of business. But by purpose they save human life

[AsktheBuilder]

We'll let the firefighters and sprinkler fitters settle this. The truth is they do both things very well. They save lives and property.

[abbinightrider]

im a fire sprinkler systems designer. thats why i argue your point. as your earlier comment about the 3/4" pipe is incorrect. yes your putting water to that head but do you have enough pressure to fully extend the full radius of the sprinklers discharge pattern. if not you might have to use bigger pipe. depending on the water flow. these are not systems you put in yourself and expect it to work properly. its not as easy as running a water line to a sink

[AsktheBuilder]

This is great info. I'm just curious as to why your passion doesn't extend to your channel? I went there and there's not one tutorial video, not one planning video, not one video about any aspect of sprinklers. Instead of funneling all this energy into comments, why don't you really show us what you know???

[Lynx251]

That was really interesting..

Sorry about not leaving a long comment :P

[chechnya]

A fire prevention captain told me it would cost about the same to retrofit your home with sprinklers as recarpeting your house. Sprinklers would of saved 100 lives at The Station fire EASILY not to mention thousands of other fires. I don't think a DIYer could do this, nor a plumber but a license/certified fire sprinkler specialist. But great video.

[AsktheBuilder]

Houses are not commercial jobs. If the incoming water service is just a 3/4-inch line, then run 3/4 inch pipe to each head if you're worried about flow rates. It's not rocket science to run the pipe and make the connections. No different than running a water line to a sink. Rest assured the sprinkler-head manufacturers will be introducing handy installation manuals for residential use. Just be patient.

[irideFast1996]

Designing and installing sprinkler systems are not 'do it yourself' projects. There are Codes and Standards that must be met. While they are the best way to save lives and property, they must be designed and installed by professionals.

[AsktheBuilder]

I believe your *must* condition is going to be disputed in an upcoming version of the ICC. I've already said countless times in other comments that a design is needed. But piping a simple residential system from the potable water supply is not rocket science. The serious DIYr is absolutely qualified so long as they follow the mfr instructions. I get the feeling pros feel they'll be out of work. Only 22 percent of homeowners are DIYrs. So relax.

[ride153]

Sprinklers are becoming more and more an necessity espacially after the trusses now being built with tension glue instead of the cheap gusset plates. More and More lightweight construction is going to be fought from the outside. Sprinklers are a great idea!

[rebas04]

I am a FF, I have seen sprinklers NOT put out fires, I agree with rcs12185, it was a subtle slam or a generalized comment, not all fires take "1000's" of gallons of water to put out, some take very little, this guy is pushing sprinklers which is probably his bread and butter in some way.

[AsktheBuilder]

I have nothing to do with sprinklers. Many of you are missing the point. It's an informational video - a primer - to inform homeowners sprinklers CAN be installed in a house. It's nothing more than that. What you seem to want is a 3-hour DVD series that is the end all and be all of sprinklers. For gosh sakes, it's less than two minutes.

[leeskitty87]

sprinklers in commercial buildings are there for detection and containment purposes only, if they manage to extinguish a fire it's a bonus. as for residential sprinkler systems there will be no DBA or ATU, so the aim is containment of the fire. Whilst i agree that a large majority of sprinkler systems will extinguish fires there is no guarantee that they will

[krazyjk022]

What happens when you have a grease or electrical fire?

[MuziqSoul114]

@krazyjk022 good point lol. So maybe firefighters are needed.. lol

[sirsnaps]

While I applaud your efforts with this video, I must object to this being a DIY project. Sure, it seems easy, but there are codes, sprinkler placement and water pressure requirements to consider. If a home owner is interested in installing this life-saving system in a home, the best thing for them to do is to contact a licensed fire sprinkler contractor. I happen to work for a sprinkler contractor, so feel free to contact me directly

[basebalcatchr13]

How much would something like this cost to install? I'm trying to convince my parents to get at LEAST one installed in the kitchen haha

[pete611]

What keeps the water from freezing in the attic space during the winter? You would need a lot of insulation or a lot of heat tape.

[ride153]

They have dry sprinkler systems that are filled with air at a higher pressure then the water holding the water down the riser until the sprinkler head is broken.

[acklan3]

Mr. Askthebuilder, I have 30 plus years in the fire service, and applaud your video. You are correct thought out most of this video, but one fact you did not address was the sprinkler will attack the fire, in most cases, before the occupants even know that there is a fire. I really do not like to address the water damage issue, because it is conditional and ,it is a distance second to the lives the sprinklers will save.

This is a fantastic video. Keep up the good work.

acklan

[rcs12185]

I liked the video but didn't like the subtle slam against the fire department "sprinkler heads may only use a hundred gallons,but the fire department may use thousands of gallons increasing damage" We have put out a many of house fires with less than the 750 gallons we carry in the booster tank.

[AsktheBuilder]

What? That wasn't a slam at all. I think you're a little hypersensitive. I'm a huge fan of firefighters. Yes, you can get some fires out with that booster tank, but let's tell the truth about what happens when you can't. What about those fires that take 30 minutes to get under control that could have been extinguished with a sprinkler? That's the point I was trying to make. Small water volume vs. those 2.5 inch lines you use.

[AFFirefighterEMT]

I strongly agree with you Tim. RCS, our mission and purpose in the fire service is to first educate the public regarding fire safety in an effort of PREVENTION both for life and then for property. Now 750 gallons is a bit more than 100. Keep in mind our response time. So as far as slamming, no. He is HELPING by stating that we can do our job even better without being there by promoting sprinklers. Remember our job is prevention FIRST.

[mdcff23]

and to think that so many builders are AGAINST fire suppression systems in residential constructions!

[AsktheBuilder]

Not me!!

[AFFirefighterEMT]

Thank you so much for promoting this Tim! It's hard enough to get the average citizen to practice fire safety let alone a builder or do-it-yourselfer. Thank you for helping us(FD's) save lives!!!!

[AsktheBuilder]

You bet. I'm a huge fan of firefighters. I've always wanted to be one. You're on the same platform of honor as those who defend our liberty each day. Thanks for all you do and putting your life on the line each time you pull out of the firehouse.

[stealorsteel]

fire sprinklers saves lifes and property anyone who thinks other wise is a retard

[garyomglol]

Nice Video Mr. Askthebuilder,

All these pipe fitters posting negative comments. How pathetic is that? Are they scared that people started fitting themselves that they would starve to death? Gimme a break.

The bottom line is: Would you take a "mickey mouse" sprinkler or NONE at all?

I would be HAPPY to take the "mickey mouse" any day!!!

[AsktheBuilder]

You nailed it. They have a scarcity mentality. They also forget their first day on the job when they didn't know a certain orifice from a hole in the ground. They also forget that true DIY'rs have the passion to research and do it right - and they derive satisfaction from doing it themselves. The vast majority of the population is NOT DIY, so the fitters have nothing to worry about. They should focus their passion on getting more business, not hanging around here leaving comments.

[Ken4Pyro]

Royal Python - in California it is against the law for the AHJ to PREVENT a homeowner from doing it themselves. It's a part of the business and professions code. Unlike your urban legend, this one is a fact.

I'm a member of several NFPA committees and there's absolutely no talk of requiring sprinklers in attics of new single family dwellings. If basements are occupied, of course they need sprinkler protection. Think fires don't start there? What's the matter with you?

[willbill808]

It depends on your jurisdiction whether you can install such a system. In some areas, a permit must be pulled, and in others, only licensed fire sprinkler technicians can even touch something like this. In most places, the AHJ would not allow the homeowner to do this unless he or she were qualified to do so. Sometimes the AHJ can require a vane type flow switch and a flow gong, and a labeled and tagged gate valve for shutoff.

[crazybeavers155]

ur are a helpful person and u know a lot

[billymert]

haha typical for you americans

[bitingbanana]

Typical for I rish people to.

[mparejas]

Thank you, really helpful!

[DIYsharkey]

They have fire sprinklers now where they are connected to a box in your basement or garage. Instead of the glass part I think they detect it electronically. There is even an option to hook up some type of electric gas and even electric power shutoff! I'm sure these systems are very expensive and are time consuming to install. I think it would really only be good for houses that are being built and not ones that already exist.

[lrd9999]

No doubt that sprinklers save lives. But I suspect that in recent years, the fact that a building is sprinklered has been an excuse for scrimping on other aspects of fireproofing, particularly on the exterior of the building, where sprinklers have almost no effect. There have already been spectacular fires in some of the huge, vinyl over OSB apartment complexes that have gone up in the last decade. I expect this problem to get worse until some of the pre-sprinkler era standards are revived.

[LasVegasWSFP]

What is shameful is that the National Home Builders Association fights against fire sprinklers in homes...tooth and nail. Shameful!!!!

[NipkowDisk]

I believe the International Residential Code (IRC) in its next cycle will mandate fire sprinkler installation in new dwellings- in my opinion, long overdue. The benefits of these in a home are truly immense, IIRC something like 80% of fire deaths occur in the home.

[chargermopar]

You can do it yourself, I did. In 1990 I installed 160 degree sprinklers in my home and shed, In 2004 my dryer caught fire and the home sprinkler saved my home. Remember, this was not professionally installed, and I used surplus and used galvanized pipe. Never had a leak or sprinkler go off on its own. The alternative would have been total destruction of my garage. As long as you have basic knowledge of hydraulics anyone can design and install a system.

[AsktheBuilder]

I agree 150%. Congrats on you attitude and success. People need to realize that in a normal house fire only the sprinkler at the point of origin activates. Install water lines like to your plumbing fixtures and there will be adequate flow for that single activating head or possibly two heads.

[nao2015050797]

my house burned to the ground january,2 2009. everyone thinks it wont happen to them well it happened to me and i didnt think it would happen or it woundnt happen to me... well the next house im buying im taking every parcautios that i can. if anyones reading this take the parcaution

[cincitymenace]

Residential fire sprinklers should be installed in all homes, but I agree with you guys a plumber CANNOT do this for you and you shouldn't either. These systems must be hydraulicly calculated and have approved fp drawings by the fire dept having jurisdiction. A plumber may have knowledge of installing pipe and fittings, but there is simply much more to it. Knowledge of uniform plumbing code is not a substitute for the years of study and training professionals have of the NFPA 13D/R standards!

[N2thedrink]

I can't begin to tell you all the problems the DIY er is going to have with these on a self install. Not to be hurtful to plumbers but I run into sum who think they know but don't. This is dangerous. Look I know this guy is trying to help but there is more to this than he's showing. For your own well being reseach this project FULLY. This could save the lives of your children and your belongings but....

There is just too much to say and not enough room.

[AsktheBuilder]

You make a great point. Actually several. This was an intro video to the topic. You state you're a pro. So with the slowing economy, I'm sure you'll have time on your hands. How about *you* use your YouTube channel for its intended purpose. Tape videos sharing your wealth of knowledge about the topic. Fill in the blanks you think are there.

[N2thedrink]

I am a sprinklerfitter(12 yrs). This is a really good idea for most people but your not discussing the right issues. YES, THIS WILL SAVE YOUR FAMILIES LIVES. The cost of retrofit is VERY high. Material, engineering safety and liability makes this almost impossible. The thought occured to me to install in my own home but it is cost prohibitive. Insurance will only drop 10% for partial and 15% for FULL. To do a full I need 2 systems, 1 wet with backflow preventer and 1 dry or antifreeze system.

[AsktheBuilder]

You're correct about retrofitting an entire home. But what about putting in a head in a furnace room? What about other high-risk locations where fires tend to start? What about new construction? The point of the video was to just tell homeowners they CAN install them. Many homeowners never give it a thought. And you can't place a price on life. You forgot to mention that.

[redrainjedi]

Maybe you could call other home insurance companies and ask them if they will give you a quote for a greater deduction for a partial or full installation. If they do, then you can call your current home insurance provider and tell them you think you found someone better unless they can meet that price.

[skoorca]

They are not complex systems to fit. The water boost in some areas of the UK may be a little lower than the US, and that is where the complexity lies. A single head will tackle most fires. Run the supply from a pressurised water cylinder and bingo, you probably have an extinguished fire in the riskiest rooms. Loved the video, simple, to the point and sensible. Sooner the UK legislate the better. Why the hell do we see these things in offices when homes are where we see deaths. Thanks

[AsktheBuilder]

Correct. I'm in agreement that a simple system can be done for a home and installed by a very handy person, but it needs to be planned by a professional sprinkler designer. The install should then be inspected by a pro. Good question as to why the building codes don't require them, especially in the high-risk rooms where statistics show most fires start.

[nastyrobotgirl]

i donno about the states but here in canada anyone can install them but no one besides fitters do because no one wants to be liable if the system fails and damage or death occurs. it is important to get a professional for that reason...maybe cheaper but not always better plus we can do our own inspections. having one is better then none i guess.

[AsktheBuilder]

I am convinced you're wrong. And why is it you fitters are so worried about work? With that attitude make sure you NEVER watch a how-to video again. Why? Because if you're trying to do something yourself, you'll be taking the food out of someone else's mouth. Practice what you preach.

[AsktheBuilder]

That simply is not true. There are many towns and cities across the USA where a plumber, and even a homeowner can install their system. Rest assured if you're a professional, these individuals will not take food out of your mouth. Anyone that motivated to install their own system is going to do it. Plus, residential installs can't possibly make up more than 3% of the average sprinkler company's business. You have nothing to fear.

[grimthoughts]

Sprinlker systems for homes can be installed under NFPA 13R rules. Which allow for the use of CPVC piping. It is alot less expensive and much easier to install. Though, fire sprinkler systems CANNOT be installed by anyone other than a licsensed sprinkler contractor. There must be proper plans and calculations done and are requiered by International Fire Code, NFPA, and your city building department and or Fire Department.

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks for this great information.

[georei]

If you want to save even moremoney use black steel pipe. For home use I would go no bigger than 1 1/4" pipe for the main and just branch out with 1" pipe with 1" elbows and use 1" x 1/2" reducers for the drops.

[apatheticzealot]

Where in the States can one purchase the concealed head units? I live in the UK and the support for the professional home installer is laughable.

[AsktheBuilder]

Just Google sprinkler systems and you will discover there are just a few manufacturers of those here in the USA.

[apatheticzealot]

Surely a sprinkler system that is 70% effective is better than none at all? I live in the UK and want to install my own, but the support from the industry is laughable. They all of course want to quote me thousands of pounds to do the job using "professional installers" yet the number of times I have had to fix the work of "professionals" is alarming". Besides, as a serious DIY'er I always over engineer and overcompensate on any job I do anyway, so would probably install too many!

[jaykob85]

im not a judge or a person of he law but im sure you could be held accountable for bad, wrong, dangerous and harmfull info about sprinkler systems

[AsktheBuilder]

You may be correct. It's sure is nice to know none of that is in this video!! How do we all know? Because if there was, I would be getting comments and messages from ALL of the sprinkler manufacturers. To date, not one has reached out to me and this video is nearly eight years old!

[fpedesign]

That is actually a Concealed Sprinkler Head not a recessed head. And no one but an actual sprinkler fitter should be allowed to install a sprinkler system. He should not be telling anyone that they could do it themselves.

[blairybaw]

anyone can do it if they have basic plumbing skills,

[mikehits]

Actually, No. You have square footage you need to asses first and you also need to run a seperate water line into your house to feed the system. Also, every sprinkler system needs a backflow preventer to stop the old cruddy water from re-entering your domestic water. This is all things you cannot buy at home depot.

You would also need to calculate your residual water pressure in order to have a fully functional sprinkler system.

[knowlejn]

of course you have to assess square footage - but check your local authority on what needs to be done. Who told you about a second line to the house! Residential systems in my area are connected where the existing service enters the home. You can buy pipe, backflow preventers, and a pressure gauge all from home depot. My street pressure is 110psi, hows that for fire protection lol.

[jdexxx]

Amen to that!

Im in my 2nd year of a 4 year apprenticeship in sprinkler fitting and I have this to say

save your time, money ,and most importently and possibly your life?

(That was the initial reason for beginning this renovation , correct?)

Do this once and forever, no leaks , no cracked pipes, no repairs, no maintainance, no upkeep, no nothing!

dj 2nd yr apprentice

Vancouver B.C.

Canada

[CiscoXfi]

Here is a ridiculous question, but. What are the chances of a fire sprinkler randomly going off?

[AsktheBuilder]

I have no data to back this up, but my guess would be one in a billion. The people who have the answer are those that make the sprinkler heads and the mathematicians that work for insurance companies.

[CiscoXfi]

oh, ok, Thanks :)

When i was younger, i use to be afraid of them lol. xD

[NipkowDisk]

I've heard the odds for a fire sprinkler going off unprovoked are about 1:16,000,000 or so; that number is either from the manufacturers or NFPA, I'm not sure...

[N30tonicDragon3]

oh ok, thanks

[martinaloysius]

In my first due we have sprinklers go off from time to time, mostly in winter. But it does happen. Most of the time there is  warning by leaking before it fails completely.

[jahstrong]

word. Union Sprinkler Fitters Do It BEST!

[AsktheBuilder]

That is a pretty bold statement........ The only way to know for sure is to have an open competition. Maybe your Local will sponsor one. :->

[NipkowDisk]

Excellent video. Fire sprinkler technology in general has made great advances in the past 30 years or so. They SAVE LIVES as well as protecting property. It is an extreme shame that more people do not mandate their installation when purchasing a home. All one has to do is look at Scottsdale, Arizona for an example of the benefits.

[watchman458]

i have on hooked up on my adt system on the wall not the ceiling

[watchman458]

i have one of those in my house its attatched to my adt system but i don't have it one my ceiling its on two sides of my wall

[famousboyzky]

all the heads do go off in some system like the dry system

[AsktheBuilder]

This may be true in certain commercial and industrial systems, but it is NOT the way residential sprinklers work. This video was about residential sprinklers, not a video about everything there is to know about fire sprinklers. Maybe you can start to tape a series of sprinkler videos since you seem to know something about them. I went to your channel and couldn't find anything there about sprinklers.

[opivdive]

famousboyzky, your thinking of deluge systems. Dry systems are just systems where the piping is filled with air instead of water (because of freezing conditions) and when a head goes off the air pressure drops and water is released from the valve. The only heads that will discharge are the ones ativated by the fire. In deluge systems it takes a detection device to trip for water to come out. All the heads on the deluge system are always open, so they all discharge water.

[iodjl]

Good stuff except that plumbers aren't trained to install sprinklers. Sprinkler fitters are tradesmen who are specially trained to install fire sprinklers. If you want to be safe, you need professional installation.  Otherwise, what's the point?

[mikepatti]

Your comment regarding water damage from a sprinkler head vs a fire department response is accurate.

In the jurisdiction where I work, plans are submitted and a permit is required for installation Our fire inspectors will examine the piping and head placement and hydro prior to ceiling cover, and then perform a bucket test for approval.

So far, we have NOT lost a single life in a house fire where residential sprinklers have been installed.

[opivdive]

I also just want to add that at a minimum this residential sprinkler will put out 13GPM so if you aren't home, and you have installed a system that is not monitored by an alarm to notify the fire dept. within just a couple hours this sprinkler will put out about 1,500 gallons of water. Another reason why you should contact a local authority to find out how to go about sprinklering your home. Fire sprinklers are reliable, and definetly the way to go.

[AsktheBuilder]

I agree 100%. This video was never intended to tell people this is a DIY task. It was made to inform that sprinklers can be used in houses and the heads can look okay, not the ugly warehouse heads.

[NipkowDisk]

Well, I have to say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think the exposed frangible bulb sprinklers are quite beautiful but the link-type considerably less so. As for DIY, well, I sat down and hydraulically calc'd out a system for my house a few years ago but I haven't installed it (yet). It certainly is NOT a DIY project for just anyone but I'm sure it can be done, the real key is knowing ALL the facts and properly applying them, and there are quite a few to know for fire sprinklering.

[TheNativeMan]

really residential sprinklers is quite easy ( im a sprinkler fitter by trade myself) spacing is the biggest issue so u dont get a cold sodder(heads to close to one another) or to much space between heads other then that its rather simple u could also run the house systems with plastic pipe wich is lighter and easier to use considering u dont have to thread pipe or anything its jut glue but u cannot have plastic pipe exposed if u want it done i'd reccommend u get someone to help u

[opivdive]

It is kind of funny how simple he makes it sound. I've installed and currently design commercial systems here in las vegas, nv. There is so much more you would need to look into to install a system that would operate like systems in these videos. You would need to properly layout your sprinklers. Calculate atleast the largest room and/or most remote. Use good craftsmanship installing for sure. And do tons of research. If it were this easy there would be NFPA standards on it. Basically get a pro.

[pdbravo]

It is important to remember that most sprinkler systems are designed to *control* fires, not to put them out (though they often achieve that end). One type of sprinkler system (NSFR heads) are designed to put out fires but these wouldn't be used in domestic situations as the rulings (at least in the UK) are completely different to a standard sprinkler system.

[titanjarreau]

sprinkler systems saves lives!

[woww1994]

how do you turn them off when they go off...

are the sprinklers reusable after they go off

[pdbravo]

You isolate them by shutting off the main valve. Sprinklers burst once they reach the required temperature (different types but most go 'off' at 68degC) so are not reusable.

Most sprinklers are of the type as stated in the video, ie they only go off whe re the fire is, but there is such a thing as a deluge system where the whole lot go off once the detection line has found fire but these systems are only found in such places as chemcal/nuclear plants etc.

[AsktheBuilder]

Great comment! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[pdbravo]

You are very welcome sir, I mention this only as I am currently installing a deluge system in a huge chemical facility in Northern England.

Your site looks great, I will enjoy visiting :)

[shulljthorn]

No one talks about escape? Smoke can kill more than fire. People are often trapped upstairs. You need to install a Permanent Escape and Rescue ladder in upstairs bedrooms. The cost is less that fire sprinklers, but even with them it provides a safe way for your family to escape the fire and smoke. The ladders are built into the wall like a medicine cabinent. It can prevent death and injury from people jumping out of windows.

[grimthoughts]

Yes, you must have a licensed Fire Sprinkler company to intall one in your home or anywhere. NEVER hire a plumber or anyone else to do it. There are hydraulic calculations involved based on city water pressure and you never want to skimp out on a life saftey system. I design fire sprinkler systems for a living and I've seen some pretty bad installations done by plumbers and such.

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks for your comment. Never is a loooong time. :-) You might be shocked to discover some licensed master plumbers know how to do the calculations. Also, it is a good idea to find out the minimum specs called for by your insurance company to get a lower fire-insurance rate.

[grimthoughts]

I agree with you that master plumbers probably can do it. But right now most Fire Departments or plan reviewers for the city are getting tough on fire permits and such. There has to be the proper sets of plans and calculations for every job. RME license number and SCR number are required before they even review your plans. Typically homes are designed using NFPA 13R. Which is about as simple as it can get for sprinlker systems.

[AsktheBuilder]

GREAT information! This is why I love YouTube. Experts get to share their knowledge. I sure appreciate your professionalism and willingnes to share!

[loafy3112]

Heres an answer from a Fire Marshal: You do NOT need to submit plans for residential sprinklers in most cities and counties. Residential sprinklers are put in Habitat houses by VOLUNTEERS (as in laypersons) everyday across this nation. They are super-simple to install with little or no experience. They can even use plastic piping for the whole run and be tied directly in to your regular water supply that comes into the house.

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks for this AWESOME comment!

[666dweller]

Sprinklers save lives. And water damage cost alot less then fire damage.

[Ihuntelk2]

Hey this is awesome..I have an interview for the sprinkler fitters union apprenticeship next month on the 8th...if anyone here is a sprinkler fitter message me. I want some info...maybe some tips for the interview. This job with totally help my family and I think I finally deserve such a job.

[AsktheBuilder]

Sorry about the audio synchronization problem. This was a first-generation video before we discovered the secret to perfect audio/visual synch. What do you mean voice over? I am just talking over b-roll shots of real fires and sprinklers in action. That is highly *professional*. Instead of trolling around YT making corrosive comments, why don't you use your YouTube channel and make a sprinkler video the way you feel it *should* be done?

[elpablo69]

Lots of people like to criticize, but don't offer something better. Who gives a hoot if its a voice over anyway???

[yardsale92]

but after the fire is extinguished do they turn off?

[AsktheBuilder]

No and Yes. If the fire department arrives yes, *they* turn off the sprinklers. But if a fire starts in a building, the sprinkler extinguishes it AND there is no alarm system indicating the fire started or the sprinklers went off, then water comes out of the sprinkler until someone shows up at the building.

[hstormchaser]

william ray hayes - you have a court order in louisiana ( las vegas area in fire sprinkler field )

[moparedtn]

26 year fire sprinkler guy here.

Excellent video. Well done. If I may, one slight correction, however. If you want fire sprinklers installed, you need to contact a licensed installer, not just a plumber or DIY, for a couple of reasons:

1. It is almost certain local codes/laws require it (check with your local codes enforcement folks)

2. Most insurance companies won't recognize your home is properly protected by sprinklers, unless a licensed contractor has installed them.

[AsktheBuilder]

Great points. Let's hope all folks can easily find a licensed installer near them.

[trucksoner]

Finally someone telling people how these things actually work. One of my pet peevs is in movies when smoke makes all the sprinklers go off, it's really dumb!

[ptrnorth]

sprinkler fitters RULE!