Residential Fire Sprinkler System Retrofits: Costs & Considerations (2024)

Why people choose to put fire sprinklers in a home—and some practical advice for finding an installer in an evolving industry

Fire sprinklers save lives. They protect property and make communities safer. Those are reasons enough to retrofit a residential fire sprinkler system, of course—but they aren’t the whole story. A patchwork of evolving trends also contributes to the decision to go with sprinklers.

This blog covers the benefits of sprinklers, including some you may not have considered, as well as the commonsense steps needed for finding a good contractor to install them.

The essential benefits of residential fire sprinklers

Most fire deaths occur in the home, and residential fire sprinklers are the best defense against death, injury, and property damage. “While overall US fire deaths have dropped dramatically in the past 40 years, the death rate per 1,000 home fires actually increased in 2016 compared to 1980.”

Smoke is the primary cause of death. But because most modern homes use lightweight synthetic construction materials and synthetic furnishings, the average time available to escape a fire has dropped significantly because of “flashover.”

Research has shown that flashover can occur in less than five minutes and as little as two. It is “the sudden involvement of a room or an area in flames from floor to ceiling caused by thermal radiation feedback.” Essentially, when enough fuel is present, the fire expands rapidly and no life can survive in the area.

This video provides a good demonstration of the phenomenon:

Fire sprinklers are the essential defense against fire and flashover in the home, as they are the only automatic, active fire protection option.

Smoke detectors are crucial and give many people time to escape, and fire extinguishers can effectively control small fires. Even the simple step of closing your bedroom door at night provides passive fire protection that could save a life.

But whether you are at home or away, sleeping or awake, sprinklers automatically do something to protect life and property. Consider these stats from the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 2019 report on “Home Structure Fires:”

Home fire sprinklers can control a fire until help arrives, even when the occupants are unable to act. Fire sprinklers were present in only 7 percent of reported home fires in 2012–2016. The death rate of 1.1 per 1,000 reported home fires was 85 percent lower when sprinkler systems were present than the 7.7 deaths per 1,000 reported home fires without any automatic extinguishing systems (AES).

Fire sprinklers activated “94 percent of the time” and controlled the fire 97 percent of the time. And in “89 percent of home fires with operating sprinklers, only one” did the job.

Those numbers are reasons enough to retrofit sprinklers, as the ROI of preventing death and injury is incalculable. But let’s take a look at some other reasons.

Property damage, insurance savings, and where you live

Residential sprinklers are fast response sprinklers, which have a “response-time index (RTI)” of 50 (meter-seconds)1⁄2 or less. This means that they activate … well, fast.

The goal is saving lives by, as NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinklers defines it, “enhance[ing] survivability in the room of fire origin.” Essentially, by deploying quickly and wetting elements in a room—the walls, furnishings, etc.—they deprive a fire of the fuel sources it needs to grow and achieve flashover. Again, these sprinklers’ primary objective is life safety.

But they also are pretty good at protecting property and minimizing both fire and water damage. NFPA Research found the average property loss per incident was $6,900 “when sprinklers were present” which was “63 percent lower than the average $18,800 loss per fire without” them.

There is also the water-damage angle. How the heck do water-spraying fire sprinklers reduce water damage, you ask? Well, it’s because they spray a lot less of it than fire hoses. A couple of residential sprinklers can put out roughly 26 gallons per minute, whereas hoses can spray over 150 gallons per minute. And since a single sprinkler usually controls a fire, there is a good chance those fire department attack hoses will never deploy.

Beyond less property damage, there are insurance savings. Insurance companies often provide discounts on homeowners policies for a variety of things that make the property safer and more secure, from reinforced doors and locks to storm shutters and security systems. Fire sprinklers may be one of the moves that can get you a break on a premium.

Insurers may be willing to discount insurance policies by about 7% in residences with fire sprinklers, according to numbers compiled by the Fire Protection Research Foundation. That adds up to at least a couple thousand dollars over the span of a mortgage, which goes a long way toward defraying the cost of a retrofit. Speaking of which …

The cost to install or retrofit a fire sprinkler system

Sprinklers may be less expensive than you think. Current, nationwide numbers are hard to come by, especially since the costs vary from state to state based on which ones mandate sprinklers in new construction and how common these systems are.

But as a rough estimate, a homeowner can expect to pay somewhere between $1.01 to $3.21 dollars per square foot, using inflation-adjusted totals from 2013 data. That said, this can vary quite a bit.

First, there is your water supply. If you are in an area where you have adequate city water pressure, it removes the need to use a tank or rely on an underpressurized well that may require a pump. Then, there are the pipe options. Fire sprinklers can be fed by metal pipes, such as copper or steel, or two types of thermoplastic pipe: CPVC or PEX.

Both thermoplastics are generally cheaper than metal options in a residential fire sprinkler system, and PEX may be the most efficient choice, since these pipes are actually flexible tubes that can speed installation. PEX systems also typically synergize with a home’s existing plumbing system, which means the water does not stagnate in the pipe—this can omit the expense of installing a backflow preventer that protects the water supply. The bottom line: costs will vary based on which system you choose based on what makes sense for your home.

Then there is location. For example, if you are looking to install sprinklers in California, where installations are mandated in new homes, you can expect to easily find a qualified sprinkler contractor who must compete with other providers. This cost may be significantly lower than areas that do not have many installers.

But as a rough estimate, it is a good starting point to assume that a residential sprinkler system will cost between about $2,000 to $6,000 to retrofit most homes in the U.S. Again, this varies based on system type, along with factors like the area’s average temperature, square footage, the local water supply, and the market demand for fire sprinkler contractors in the area.

Practical considerations for finding a residential fire sprinkler system installer

The variance in demand by area can significantly impact how easy it is to find a qualified fire sprinkler installer at a good price. California, Maryland, and DC have all mandated fire sprinkler installations in new homes, which usually means many well-qualified contractors in those areas.

But in some areas, sprinkler installers are harder to come by. And even when they are in good supply, many professionals are geared toward installing more complex and costly commercial systems due to laws that have required them in buildings for decades.

This doesn’t mean these commercial specialists can’t install a home sprinkler system. The rules in NFPA 13D: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes are more forgiving than NFPA 13, the commercial installation standard. It’s that many contractors are already backlogged on commercial work, and they may achieve a lower return for completing smaller residential jobs.

Don’t lose hope if you are in an underserved area, however! The residential sprinkler installation industry is still growing rapidly, and many parts of the U.S. do have plenty of qualified and willing installers. And certain states and organizations are training more types of professionals and expanding the pool of qualified installers.

For example, Connecticut licenses plumbers to work on multipurpose residential sprinkler systems if they have been “issued a P-1 license and have been certified as completing a multipurpose residential fire sprinkler systems course approved by” the Department of Consumer Protection. Alabama has a similar program that only covers installation. And the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) offers courses like this one to get trade professionals certified and licensed.

Thus, your residential fire sprinkler contractor might not be a fire protection specialist at all. And many residential systems—specifically, the multipurpose PEX set-ups—integrate with a home’s plumbing anyway.

The benefits of home fire sprinklers are clear and compelling—here are the first steps to get them

Eighty-five percent fewer deaths. Sixty-three percent lower damage. Insurance discounts. And the peace of mind that your property and family are protected from fire, regardless of whether you are home. Fire sprinklers are a fantastic, reliable, and relatively inexpensive technology that vastly increases safety.

If you have made the decision to retrofit fire sprinklers or you are exploring the possibility, the first steps mirror looking for any type of contractor. Use a search engine or the yellow pages to look for professionals in your area. Evaluate reviews, if they are available. Once you get in touch with someone, ask them for references and whether they do residential installations. If they do, inquire about their specific experience with home sprinklers. Check with your state professional licensing website to see which, if any, licenses are required and verify that a potential contractor is allowed to install a system.

If you become stuck and need more options, you can contact the National Fire Sprinkler Association or the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) for a referral to a professional in your area. The Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition also provides resources to help residents understand these systems and their options.

Finally, when you need some residential fire sprinkler system parts for installation or maintenance, be sure to check out QRFS’s selection of residential sprinklers, residential risers, cover plates, and more.

If you have questions or need help finding an item, call us at +1 (888) 361-6662 or email [emailprotected].

If you have complex questions about the application of a system, a specific project, or how to interpret codes and standards, use QRFS’s Ask a Fire Pro service. A highly-qualified fire protection professional will get you an answer in three business days!

This blog was originally posted at blog.qrfs.com. If this article helped you, check us out at Facebook.com/QuickResponseFireSupply or on Twitter @QuickResponseFS.

Residential Fire Sprinkler System Retrofits: Costs & Considerations (2024)

FAQs

How much does it cost to install a fire suppression system? ›

If your project is new construction, expect to pay $1 to $2 per square foot of coverage. A high-rise building will be more expensive, averaging $2 to $4 per square foot of coverage. Existing buildings that will be retrofitted can average $2–$7 per square foot of coverage.

Do fire sprinklers add value to home? ›

1. Your home value will be higher for two reasons: First, home buyers find great value when it comes to home safety and having sprinklers definitely adds a safety net for when you decide to sell someday. Second, insurance will deem it less risky with a fire sprinkler system installed. 2.

Does having a sprinkler system lower home insurance? ›

Homeowners will also find that the fire sprinkler system can provide a generous discount on insurance. A recent poll of property and casualty insurers by HFSC showed that discounts as high as 35% are offered for homes with sprinklers. Because discounts vary, homeowners should shop around for the best discount.

What is the least expensive fire suppression system? ›

Carbon Dioxide. Carbon dioxide fire suppression systems are perhaps the oldest of the clean agent systems out there. CO2, as its usually referred to, has been used in systems since the early 1900s. It's inexpensive compared to other clean agents and can be used in total flooding or local application.

Which is the most reliable fire suppression system? ›

FM-200 is the best fire suppression system for a number of situations, including: Offices or other places where people may be present during a fire. FM-200 is non-toxic, and the health impact of a fire suppression system is always important in areas where crowds are frequent.

How much does a fire detection and suppression system cost? ›

Average Fire Suppression System Cost
Minimum Cost Estimate$10,000
Maximum Cost Estimate$300,000
Average Cost Estimate$40,000

What is the life expectancy of a fire sprinkler system? ›

Building owners and facility managers usually expect fire sprinkler systems to last 40 to 50 years. However, due to the presence of oxygen, water, and metal, corrosion issues can cause wet water systems to start failing in 15 to 25 years and dry water systems in eight to 12 years.

Are home sprinkler systems worth it? ›

It's an indisputable fact: residential fire sprinklers save lives and property. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) model codes and the International Residential Code (IRC) mandate fire sprinklers in all new one- and two-family homes.

What are the disadvantages of sprinkler system? ›

Disadvantages
  • Incurs high operation expenses due to the energy needed for pumping, labour and relatively large investment in equipment: sprinklers and pipes.
  • Sensitivity to wind, causing evaporation losses.
  • The unavoidable wetting of foliage in field crops results in increased sensitivity to diseases.

Do sprinkler systems add value? ›

The essential parts of staging a lawn and landscape include efficient watering. And an in-ground lawn sprinkler will do the trick. Plus, an outdoor sprinkler system adds value to your property as well. Potential buyers will see a well-installed sprinkler system keeps the lawn and landscape looking their best.

How much does it cost to maintain a sprinkler system? ›

Maintenance costs

Winterizing a sprinkler system typically costs $60 – $120 and is a yearly expense for homeowners with in-ground systems in climates that get cold weather.

What is a drawback to water based fire suppression systems? ›

Although non-toxic, a major disadvantage of using water is its corrosive and conductive nature. If your environment contains sensitive components and equipment, a traditional sprinkler system has a high chance of destroying critical assets.

What are the three C's of fire suppression? ›

Ventilation is a task that must be performed on nearly every fire, and it must be coordinated, communicated, and correct–the three Cs of ventilation.

What is the alternative to fire suppression? ›

Alternative agents and technologies continually enter the market for fire suppression end-uses, including in-kind alternatives (e.g., halocarbons, inert gas, carbon dioxide), or not-in-kind alternatives (e.g., powdered aerosols, foam, water mist).

What is the difference between fire sprinkler and fire suppression? ›

A fire suppression system, like a fire sprinkler system, is used to extinguish or control fires, and is activated by heat, smoke, or a combination of the two. However, a fire suppression system uses gaseous, chemical, or foam fire suppression agents to suppress the fire, rather than water.

Is a fire suppression system worth it? ›

These types of systems are in many ways, strictly superior to the water sprinkler systems of yesteryear. They're extremely versatile, capable of extinguishing many different types of fires. They're highly reliable, since they're less prone to corrosion and damage than other types of systems.

Is fire suppression the same as fire sprinkler? ›

Fire sprinkler systems use water to extinguish and control flames and minimize the spread of fire until help arrives. Fire suppression systems use chemicals, gasses, or clean agents to suppress a fire. Fire sprinkler systems are most often used in everyday applications to reduce property damage that fires can cause.

What are the two types of fire suppression systems? ›

What are the Types of Fire Suppression Systems
  • Wet Chemical Systems, NFPA 17A; these systems are often used for kitchen suppression.
  • Dry Chemical Systems, NFPA 17; these systems are often used to protect paint and other particulate hazards.

What is the difference between fire alarm system and fire detection system? ›

While a smoke detector is capable of sensing smoke and sounding an alarm within a specific area containing fumes, fire alarms are activated by smoke detectors and sound a widespread alarm that will be heard across the entirety of a building or site.

How much is ADT fire monitoring? ›

ADT monitoring packages start at just $7/week*, and you can add on fire, flood and carbon monoxide monitoring for a small fee. Call today to speak with a representative about pricing for your home. Or, view our pricing page for more information on ADT monitoring packages. *$99.00 Customer Installation Charge.

What is the leading cause of fire sprinkler system failure? ›

The most common reason that sprinklers failed to operate was the system being shut off at some point before the fire. One sprinkler is usually enough to control a fire.

What is the best time of year to put in a sprinkler system? ›

Thinking of installing an irrigation system? Fall is actually the best time to do so. Not only is your lawn at an ideal temperature for this type of installation, but it'll also give you time to plant new trees or annuals that'll be able to dig their roots in before winter arrives.

How often should a fire sprinkler system be flushed? ›

How often should you have your fire sprinkler system tested?
Fire Sprinkler ComponentTesting Schedule
Dry sprinklers (Test or Replace)Every 10 years
Fast-response sprinklers (Test or Replace)20 years initially, then every 10 years
Standard response sprinklers (Test or Replace)50 years initially, then every 10 years
5 more rows
Aug 18, 2019

What is the most efficient sprinkler system? ›

Our overall top pick for the best lawn sprinkler is the Rain Bird 32ETI In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System Kit, which consists of 32 pop-up sprinklers and 125 feet of hose to cover lawns up to 3,000 square feet. It's easy to set up, durable, and an extremely good value for the money.

What type of sprinkler is most efficient? ›

Rotating sprinklers: Feature two or more arms and spin to disperse water in a complete circle. Some models may feature adjustable jets and bases. Rotating sprinklers are the best type of sprinkler for a large lawn due to their even distribution and ability to work quickly.

What are the two types of sprinkler systems? ›

3 Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems
  • Wet Fire Sprinkler System. A wet fire sprinkler system is one of the most common options on the market. ...
  • Dry Fire Sprinkler System. A dry fire sprinkler system is filled with pressurized air, rather than water. ...
  • Preaction Fire Sprinkler System.
May 22, 2020

How do you maintain a home fire sprinkler system? ›

Fire sprinklers require almost no maintenance and only work when you need them. Do a simple flow test about twice a year or have your sprinkler contractor do it for you. Occasionally do a visual inspection of the controls and sprinklers. Use a padlock to keep the water valve in the ON position.

Why drip system is much better than sprinkler system? ›

Drip irrigation is highly effective at supplying one to four gallons of water per hour directly to the soil. The advantage of drip irrigation over sprinklers is that there is little water loss due to evaporation or runoff.

When should you stop using sprinkler system? ›

As long as there is at least an inch and a half of rain per winter month, you don't need to supplement it with your sprinklers. When you start seeing rain around October or November, that's usually a good time to shut off the sprinklers.

Why would a house have a sprinkler system? ›

Not only does the risk of dying in a fire decrease by about 80% when sprinklers are present, sprinklers provide significant property protection, reducing the average loss by 71% per fire (information from the National Fire Protection Association).

Which one of the following is not an advantage of sprinkler system? ›

Even though it reduces various leakages but the evaporation loss is always there.

How much does it cost to upgrade sprinklers? ›

According to Home Advisor, the national average for a new sprinkler costs $2,429. At the lower end of the scale, the cost is $500, and the high end is $5,000. The typical cost for an irrigation system ranges from $$1,697 - $3,530.

Should I install my own sprinkler system? ›

Installing your own irrigation system is doable if you're willing to put in the time and work required to do it right. It all depends on the size of your yard. You'll definitely work up a sweat digging up trenches and connecting pipes, but all the parts of a sprinkler system are lightweight and easy to install.

Are sprinkler systems High pressure? ›

The average water pressure for most homes and businesses is between 30 psi and 50 psi; most sprinkler systems are designed to use pressures of around 30 psi. You can measure the water pressure at your site with a flow meter or water gauge attached to an outdoor faucet.

How many sprinklers per zone? ›

Typically, though, a sprinkler system zone will boast 5 to 6 rotor heads and/or 8 to 10 spray heads.

How many zones do I need for my sprinkler system? ›

How Many Irrigation System Zones Do I Need? Most irrigation systems have nine zones or less. It's pretty common to have 6-9. Part of it boils down to your water source, and how much water it can pump out.

Are high efficiency sprinklers worth it? ›

High-efficiency sprinkler heads deliver multiple rotating streams of water. Proper use requires them to run longer, but because they don't put out as much water, they use the same or less water than fixed-spray heads. “The big benefit is that you're getting water where it needs to go at a better flow rate.

What are the disadvantages of a dry pipe sprinkler system? ›

There are several disadvantages to using dry pipe sprinkler systems. Due to their added complexity and more stringent installation requirements, they are more expensive and time-consuming to install when compared to a wet pipe sprinkler system.

Why is fire suppression a poor management tool? ›

Suppression policies have slowly changed, partly because of their cost, partly because they are inefficient, and partly because of changes in ecological thinking. Fire suppression leads to the buildup of dead biomass in fire-prone ecosystems which may produce more severe fires when they do burn.

What are two types of fire which Cannot be put out with water? ›

Water cannot be used to extinguish electrical fires or fires involving inflammable liquids.

How much does a suppression system cost? ›

Most wet chemical restaurant suppression systems are estimated based on the total number of flow points or nozzles required to protect the plenum, duct, and appliances. On average, a single tank system will cost between $4000- $6000 installed, depending on the number of appliances to be protected.

How much does a hood suppression system cost? ›

On average, a kitchen fire suppression system will cost $4,750. Prices will range all the way from $2,000 to $7,500. The total cost of the kitchen fire suppression system will depend on a variety of factors, according to CostOwl.

How long does it take to install a fire suppression system? ›

Time to Install Fire Suppression System

Installation typically takes around 4 hours for a pneumatic system and up to 16 hours for electrical systems. Times vary based on the complexity of the installation, components used, and type of system being installed.

What are the 5 types of special suppression systems? ›

Special hazard suppression systems are organized into five main categories: dry chemical, clean agent, commercial kitchen, foam, and CO2.

What is the price of FM 200 suppression system? ›

FM200 Fire Suppression System at Rs 25000/set | Fire Suppression Systems in Pune | ID: 8431738148.

What is the difference between sprinkler system and automatic fire suppression system? ›

Fire sprinkler systems use water to extinguish and control flames and minimize the spread of fire until help arrives. Fire suppression systems use chemicals, gasses, or clean agents to suppress a fire. Fire sprinkler systems are most often used in everyday applications to reduce property damage that fires can cause.

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