Which pipe is best for sprinkler system installation?
It’s hard to put a price tag on 24/7 fire protection with an automatic residential fire sprinkler system. It’s like having firefighters always at the ready to extinguish a potentially deadly fire. Given house fires cause eight in 10 structure fire deaths, it’s a smart investment that takes safety to a new level beyond smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
However, cost is an important consideration for homeowners and developers as they consider installing a sprinkler system in residential structures in new construction or retrofits. Actual costs can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as water supply, the style of the home’s architecture, and challenges specific to the project.
While the NFPA’s average cost provides a starting point, there are several variables that can impact cost. Of course, getting bids from several sprinkler contractors can help keep costs down. Some contractors specialize in residential projects while others specialize in commercial buildings. As you develop your budget, here are issues to keep in mind that affect sprinkler costs.
State and Local Requirements
Fire protection systems installed in newly constructed buildings in India must meet the requirements of the BIS 15015:2021 code of practice (Design and Installation of Fixed Automatic Sprinkler Fire Extinguishing Systems.) It is also recommended to follow NFPA’s 13D standard. However, local building codes may have additional requirements that can add costs.
Which pipe material is best for fire sprinkler systems?
The type of piping selected for a project can have a significant impact on cost. It’s typically either plastic pipe, such as C PVC pipe (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), or steel. The NFPA study found that C PVC pipe, such as BlazeMaster C PVC, is the preferred material for residential projects. BlazeMaster C PVC offers a significant cost advantage over steel, among others. C PVC pipe is also easier to install, which keeps labor costs down when installing residential fire suppression systems. Some systems may use a combination of C PVC pipe in living areas with steel pipe used in unfinished areas such as garages or basements.
Special Requirements
Some areas require backflow preventers that keep the pressurized fire sprinkler water line from flowing into the municipal water supply. These systems can cost hundreds.
The type of water supply you have can also affect costs. For instance, homes on a well may require a booster pump and water storage tank to ensure adequate water flow to reach the sprinklers.
Beyond these system-level variables, there are limited options for add-ons that could impact cost to install sprinkler heads. For instance, a homeowner might opt for a more aesthetically pleasing sprinkler at a higher cost.
Easy Maintenance
In addition, housing associations can anticipate minimal maintenance over the life of the system. Most home fire sprinkler systems are easy to maintain, as the homeowner is able to conduct a simple flow test twice a year. Systems with a backflow preventer may require annual inspections by a sprinkler installation contractor. Either way, it’s minimal hassle to ensure 24/7 fire protection.
Once you’ve evaluated these factors, you’ll have a good sense of the cost of installing life-saving, quick-response sprinklers. Whether you’re budgeting for new construction or for a retrofit, fire sprinkler systems are always a good investment to protect people and property from fire loss.
