How to Install a Fire Sprinkler System – A Step-By-Step Guide…

When it comes to making your building or home fireproof, there are a number of fire safety solutions currently available at your fingertips. Some of these fire safety solutions include installing fire extinguishers, fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, security cameras, fire hydrants, and much more. Among the different fire safety solutions mentioned, fire sprinklers can be installed on your own.

A fire sprinkler system can be installed on your own with a little bit of expertise in the area by executing the following 5 simple steps:

1. Verify the pressure of your water supply.
2. Install the piping in the basement and the basement cages for sprinkler heads.
3. Make wall cutouts on the first floor and run additional piping.
4. Install the sprinkler heads in the living space and insulate them.
5. Finally, pressurize the system to perform a leak test.

What Is a Fire Sprinkler System?

Fire sprinkler systems are an active fire protection method that sprays water at an adequate pressure upon detecting any emergency fires in the building. Fire sprinklers were mostly installed in construction buildings and factories, as they are easily prone to big fires. However, fire sprinkler systems can now be installed at your convenience with ease and at cost-worthy prices.

As time passes, over 40 million sprinkler heads are installed across the globe each year. It is more of a quick and active fire protection system that can aid in reducing building repair costs. To meet the requirements of several situations, there are different types of fire sprinkler systems, such as wet pipe systems, dry pipe systems, preaction systems, and deluge systems.

A Step-By-Step Guide to Install Fire Sprinkler Systems

Fire sprinkler systems can now be installed on your own without having to depend on fire protection agencies. The following are some basic steps in installing a fire sprinkler system all by yourself.

• Verify Your Water Pressure – The first and most important thing to be done when installing a fire sprinkler system is to check the pressure on the water supply. Home fire sprinkler installation becomes much easier when there is enough water pressure. 100 PSI is the recommended rate of pressure when installing sprinklers. However, if you do not have enough pressure, it is advised that you get water storage tanks and a pump for fire sprinkler installation.
• Pipe Installation in the Basement – After checking the water pressure, piping should be run from the basement to the first-floor sprinkler heads through the ceiling. To ensure the durability of pipes, CPVC pipes that are similar to PVC are preferable in basement pipe installation. Galvanized pipe straps can be used to attach the pipe to studs and finally join the pipes using cement.
• Secure the Basement Sprinkler Heads with Protective Enclosures – Starting from the basement, install the sprinkler head in the basement and then to the first floor and above. After installing the sprinkler heads in the basement, build protection cages around the sprinklers to prevent accidental activation. When your ceiling is comparatively lower, installing cages around sprinkler heads in the basement is more of a necessity than just a step in fire sprinkler system installation.
• Cut Out Sections in First-Floor Walls – As stated above, installation starts in the basement and then moves to the upper floors. For proper installation, pipes must be concealed under the floors. To ensure the right concealment of the pipes, you should make wall cutouts and conceal the pipes.
• Drilling a Hole through the Basement for Piping – Drill a hole in the bottom of the wall and the floor of the basement so that you can attach pipes to other floors. After drilling a hole, insert the CPVC pipe or the pipe used for installation purposes through this hole. Thus, connect the pipe to the sprinkler connection and fasten them inside using the galvanised pipe straps as mentioned before.
• Extend the Piping for Complete Coverage – Continue the procedure of drilling and making the hole in the basement to easily connect the pipes. Run the pipes at critical points wherever you require fire sprinkler heads. It is best advised to make use of a stud finder when cutting out sections on the drywall, avoiding the need for electrical wiring. As an alternative to making holes in the ceiling, you can choose to mount sprinklers that go high up in the walls.
• Set up Sprinklers Heads in Bedrooms – Follow the same steps when installing fire sprinkler heads on the second and third floors of your building. Make a cut-out in the closets to connect to the piping done on the floor. The procedure is then followed by running the pipe to the attic, from which you can attach sprinkler heads in each room. Additionally, you can cap the sprinkler heads.
• Guard the Piping and Conceal Wall Openings – In the event of an uninsulated attic and topmost floor, it is highly recommended to insulate the pipe so that you can prevent water from freezing. Thus, be certain about the proper working of your fire sprinkler system. For utmost safety and as a precaution, you may patch the wall cutouts and crown mould the pipes running through each floor.
• Pressurize the System and Conduct Leak Testing – The last and final step in installing a fire sprinkler system on your own is to check for fire sprinklers. After completing the above-mentioned procedure and proper concealment of pipes, the system should be pressurized, allowing for the detection of any leaks in the pipe. Once zero leakage is confirmed, you are good to go with the sprinklers installed at your home.

The Need for a Fire Sprinkler System Explained

As per the reports of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoke alarms ensure a 50% chance of surviving fires, and a fire sprinkler system would let you survive fires by 97%. Hence, a fire sprinkler system has become one of the most powerful and cost-effective fire prevention methods.

Why are fire sprinkler systems important? The main and primary advantages of installing a fire sprinkler system are that it can immediately reduce heat, smoke, and heavy flames. Other reasons why a fire sprinkler system is a necessity include:

• Highly reduces the number of deaths
• Cost-worthy fire prevention methods
• Helps in reducing property damages
• Requires minimal maintenance and greatly helps in reducing insurance costs
• Increases the property value

What Are the Different Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems?

There are different types of fire sprinkler systems that effectively reduce heavy fires and eventually prevent fires from spreading. These different types include:

• Wet Pipe System – The wet pipe system is one of the most common types of fire sprinkler systems that require constant filling with water. As the temperature of the ceiling rises enough to break the glass bubble in the sprinkler, the system is then allowed the free flow of water out of sprinkler heads.
• Dry Pipe System – The dry pipe system is similar to the wet pipe system except for the constant filling of water in the sprinkler. The water is stored in a dry pipe, which is placed at some distance from sprinkler heads. And just like in the wet pipe system, temperatures rise to break the glass bubble, allowing the free flow of water to extinguish fires.
• Preaction System – Unlike the sprinkler systems mentioned, there are different types of preaction systems, such as single interlock systems, double interlock systems, and non-interlock systems. What makes the preaction system any different from others is that fire should take place before water is released into the fire sprinkler system.
• Deluge System – The deluge system works just like the preaction system that detects fire emergencies in a different way. The main difference in using deluge systems is the nozzles or open sprinklers. 

Fire Sprinkler Installation Made Easy with TAS Fire

As mentioned, a fire sprinkler system is one of the best proactive and effective methods to protect a number of lives while at the same time reducing repair costs. With the different types of sprinkler systems available on the market, fire sprinkler systems are quite reliable and affordable fire safety measures.

If you are on the search for a fire sprinkler installation, then TAS Fire Protection is your best bet for any fire emergency services. The range of services includes installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair work of your fire safety measures. Protect your home or any other property of yours using fire alarm systems, fire hydrants, fire hoses, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, emergency lighting, and much more from Tas Fire Protection.

Contact Us (905-870-7779) for a Free Consultation!

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About TAS Fire Protection

TAS Fire Protection offers comprehensive and cutting-edge fire, security, and electrical services to clients with residential, commercial, industrial, or high-rise properties. Our team of highly skilled professionals has years of experience in installing, maintaining, and inspecting fire, security, and electrical systems and equipment.
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