Residential Sprinkler Systems

Residential Fire Sprinkler Myths
Myth: If one goes off, they all go off.
Fact: Sprinklers activate independently; only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate.
Myth: Sprinklers will leak.
Fact: Sprinkler mishaps are generally less likely and less severe than home plumbing system problems.
Myth: Water damage from sprinklers is worse than fire damage.
Fact: A sprinkler flows 10-26 gallons of water per minute. The property loss in a sprinklered home fire is a small fraction of the typical loss in an unsprinklered home fire.
Myth: Sprinklers will freeze in winter.
Fact: The national installation standard provides guidance for proper installation in cold regions.
Myth: The fire department will be able to put out the fire and save my things.
Fact: In the 9-12 minutes a fire department needs to respond, an uncontrolled fire will grow and spread through the home, causing tremendous smoke and fire damage.
Myth: I have smoke alarms so I don't need fire sprinklers.
Fact: Smoke alarms are essential in every home. But they can only detect a fire. Fire sprinklers detect the fire and automatically control it, saving lives and property.