
Table of Contents
How much does a sprinkler system cost?
Not much.
Sprinkler systems cost less than you expect.
In many cases, the cost of installing a sprinkler system is no more than fitting a carpet.
Don’t believe me? The price of a decent carpet, with underlay, is typically £40 per m2, plus fitting. A single residential sprinkler can cover up to 25m2, and you should expect to pay between £300 and £200 for each sprinkler head installed. This puts the cost of a sprinkler system at £12 to £8 per m2. A sprinkler system costs roughly a quarter of the cost of the carpet.
In practice, a single sprinkler won’t cover the full 25m2 and so the sprinkler system cost per m2 goes up. The room may be smaller than 25m2. It may be long and thin, which may mean that a single head wouldn’t throw the water far enough. There may be obstructions, or other project specific quirks. Just as the price of a carpet may vary depending on the requirements, the sprinkler system cost varies too.
If the sprinkler system cost is a concern, then getting a sprinkler specialist involved at an early stage is crucial so that all options can be explored to reduce cost.
To get an accurate quote: you will need to send information to a sprinkler specialist. Contact us today for a free, no obligation quote and more guidance on this.
Is the sprinkler system cost worth the price?
Yes.
Even objectively.
Although, in some cases, this question isn’t available to ask. It’s becoming more common for building regulations to require sprinklers in residential and commercial properties.
Buildings of certain heights, footprints, use cases, and layouts may prompt building control or insurers to insist on the property having sprinklers. In those cases, the sprinkler system cost would be less than the cost of non-compliance, in nearly every case.
Let’s step back for a second though and assume that sprinklers aren’t required on your property. There are still some benefits which may outweigh the sprinkler system cost.
Properly installed sprinkler systems have been shown to:
- Reduce insurance costs;
- Increase property value by up to 20%;
- Reduce property damage by up to 71%;
- Prevent fatalities from fire to a degree that Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue claim that “no other fire system can match”;
- Control the spread of the fire, generally containing fires to a single room;
- Reduce injuries during a fire by up to 60%.
Are sprinklers ugly?
No.
Not if properly co-ordinated.
If aesthetics are a concern, then getting a sprinkler specialist involved at an early stage is crucial.
There are a number of different opportunities available to blend the sprinkler system with its environment as much as possible. Early co-ordination allows for all of these options to be explored. We understand that for some people, it doesn’t matter how much the sprinkler system costs if installing them is going to ruin the aesthetic of your property. We make sure this doesn’t happen.
Sprinklers have strict regulations in order to be deemed compliant. If sprinklers are brought in at the tail end of the design process, the limitations created by having to work around other features, which may now already be installed, can mean that the end result is less than ideal.
Properly co-ordinated sprinkler systems can feature:
- Concealed heads (hiding them behind a cover plate which is flush with the ceiling);
- Concealed pipework (or painted a preferred colour, if concealment isn’t an option);
- Sidewall sprinklers, rather than ceiling designs;
- Placement in line with other features, such as lights, and chandeliers.
What if sprinklers are triggered accidentally?
Don’t panic!
Sprinklers aren’t known to be triggered by accident.
And even when sprinklers are triggered, they don’t all set off at once!
Sprinklers are actually so unlikely to go off by accident that they are required to have a different alarm sounder to other fire services. Sprinklers are to be treated as a confirmed fire signal. Whereas a smoke alarm might go off when you burn your toast, a properly designed sprinkler system doesn’t have the same issue. If the sprinkler alarm goes off – evacuate the building!
It’s important to tell your specialist as much as possible about the property to prevent accidental discharge or a failure to perform. If a head is placed near a cooker, in a sauna, or in a freezer: different head types should be used. There are other instances too. Check out our article on what happens if you hit a sprinkler for a clearer idea.
In some cases, it’s possible to take extra precautions against accidental discharge by requiring two signals before the system triggers. This option is particularly popular in retail environments and is referred to as a pre-action system. Let us know if this option would be of interest when you gather your quote.
In any case: the spray from a sprinkler head is substantially less than that from a fire engine. Whereas a sprinkler head in a residential environment would produce around 50 litres a minute, the fire brigade would typically pump 290 litres a minute through their hose. If there is a fire, the sprinkler would be less likely to cause water damage than the fire brigade.
When considering how much sprinklers cost, its important to consider the value that certified installers bring. Uncertified installers may be able to reduce how much your sprinkler system costs by cutting corners, but the damage that can result could wipe out any savings from the sprinkler system cost.
What should I expect to receive in the quote?
We have a detailed guide on sprinkler proposals. In order to properly consider how much your sprinkler system costs, installers will need to consider each job separately. In any case, a sprinkler specialist should provide the following as part of their proposal:
- Details of the specification worked to;
- Their proposed use of water supplies;
- Details of the industry standards worked to;
- Their accrediting body;
- A block plan detailing which areas are protected and to what extent;
- Details of what they require to be in place on site;
- How long they expect the works to take;
- Whether building works and making good is included;
- Any challenges that they expect to face and how they can be minimised;
- Any value engineering opportunities.
How can I increase reliability?
Sprinkler systems are already considered to be more reliable than any other form of fire system. Each sprinkler system costs what it does because of the safeguard which are built into the systems. However, they can be made even more reliable by considering the resources available.
The sprinkler system costs detailed at the top of this article are for a mains fed system. In some cases, this will be suitable, but often a pump and tank are required. Even when a pump and tank is not required, it may be preferable to have one. In many cases, it’s still the true that a sprinkler system costs less than carpet.
Having a dedicated pump and tank ensures that your system has sufficient water supplies in the event of a fire. If there is any disruption to the mains supply, the tank will retain sufficient water to manage the fire until the fire brigade arrives.
The pump and tank can be made even more reliable by installing a split tank, and a standby pump. The electrical supply could be improved upon by installing a backup power supply.
Further improvements could see each floor of a property being zoned. This would include an isolation valve on each floor or in storage areas so that, when part of a building is out of service (for example during maintenance), the rest of the building remains protected.
It is best practice (and often required) to monitor each valve and install locks to ensure that they remain open/closed as intended. On a similar note: alarm signals themselves can be monitored remotely to ensure that any triggers are picked up and acted upon even in when the property is unoccupied.
Other options are available and are often project specific. For example: some installations may benefit from the Technical Bulletins which have been approved for use and provide further options. Contact us for more information.
How can I reduce the cost safely?
Sprinkler systems are required to be installed to strict standards. These standards prevent leaks, ensure your system works in the event of a fire, and ensure best practice. Failure to apply these standards correctly can lead to the installer losing their right to purchase key components from suppliers. An installer worth their salt won’t bend the rules for one job because it risks them not being able to work again.
That doesn’t mean that the sprinkler system cost can’t be reduced.
The sprinkler system costs detailed at the top of this article are for a mains fed system. In some cases, this will be suitable, but often a pump and tank is required or desirable. In those cases, it can sometimes be an option to provide a reduced capacity supply. This system would see the tank holding a portion of the required water, with the rest being provided by the mains in real time.
Reduced capacity tanks are generally compliant but do have their own regulations and restrictions so be sure to speak with a specialist before budgeting for one. They can reduce the sprinkler system cost.
In some cases, it may be possible to forgo the tank altogether. Where there is sufficient flow but low water pressure from the mains, a booster pump could be used without a tank. The sprinkler system cost is lowest when provided as a direct feed.
It’s important to note that any system which relies on the mains will require a flow test to ensure that the mains are providing the required infill. Steps should also be taken to ensure that this infill can be relied upon for the life of the system.
It isn’t always possible to take a flow test at the design stage (most commonly because construction hasn’t started).
Other reductions could come from swapping material and aesthetic features, such as galvanised steel for mild steel, or even CPVC (where possible), or replacing white heads with brass.
Counter-intuitively, increasing pipe sizes can sometimes reduce costs by allowing for a smaller pump to be used. Pipe sizing is a real juggling act though, so please speak with us if this is of interest.
It’s also worth noting that the cost of servicing should be taken into account. Sometimes an increased cost during the installation can reduce the cost of servicing.
How much water does a sprinkler system use?
It depends.
This seems like a cop out, but its true.
It’s a little like asking “how much fuel does your car use?”.
How long will you be driving the car for? How fast? What terrain? Will it be loaded with luggage? How experienced is the driver? And so on…
A single dwelling will no doubt use less water than a commercial warehouse. Yet, one warehouse may use less water than another. Even the size of the warehouse isn’t a strict guide. A smaller warehouse may need more water than a warehouse twice its size. Another warehouse may not use water at all! Other solutions such as foam or gas may be preferred.
If one property stores fireworks, while the second stores non-combustible materials, the two are clearly going to have different requirements, regardless of size.
Other applications, such as data centres, may prefer not to use water at all. In these cases: gas may be a preferred option.
For everyday dwellings and flats, it’s a little simpler: a residential sprinkler would produce around 50 litres a minute. A house will have no more than two heads operating, while flats will have no more than 4 heads operating. The fire brigade would typically pump 290 litres a minute through their hose. It can be seen from this perspective that, if there is a fire, the sprinklers would be less likely to cause water damage than the fire brigade. It can be seen from the above the how much the sprinkler system costs is going to affected by the applications.
Can I install a sprinkler system myself?
No.
Not unless you’re qualified.
If you are qualified, it’s flattering to know you want our advice. Don’t forget to share this with your clients!
Sprinkler installers need to meet strict standards before they are allowed to purchase many of the items needed to install systems. This means that key components, like sprinkler heads, are often unobtainable for Joe and Jane Public.
With good reason too. Use the wrong adhesive and the adhesive itself could melt the pipe before it even sees a fire.
Fitting the system manually doesn’t necessarily affect how much the sprinkler system costs in a noticeable way. The majority of the costs are for materials, insurance, accreditations, etc.
It’s important to have self-confidence, and the DIY mindset is admirable. Yet, there are some things that you shouldn’t do yourself, such as removing structural elements, pulling teeth, and sprinkler installation.
How can you get the best quote?
The better the information you provide, the better the quote will be that you get back. We have to include the cost of uncertainties when information is lacking – and with good reason. It’s one thing to focus on the sprinkler system cost, but its another to factor in the cost of overlooking key stages in the co-ordination. This can lead to hold ups and delays on site beyond sprinklers.
A list of key items are detailed below, but the list isn’t definitive. It’s only by reviewing the information that a full list can be confirmed. If you do not have all of the required information, please contact us and we can arrange for the information to be prepared either by us or we can recommend an organisation to provide it.
Typically Required | What is it | Why it’s needed | |
Architectural floor plans | On all jobs. | Floor plans are a bird’s eye view of the building at each level. | Floor plans are used to understand the layout, but they are also used as part of the design and installation. Pipe routes and head locations are marked on these drawings. |
Sectional layouts | On all jobs | A view of the building from the side, as though some walls have been removed. | Sections are used to understand the layout, but they are also used as part of the design and installation. Pipe routes and head locations are marked on these drawings. Sections can also help detail any pitch in the ceilings. |
Site plan | On larger jobs and projects with more than one building. | A bird’s eye view of the area. | Where buildings are close together, they can often share water supplies. This can only be confirmed through a site plan. This drawing can also help plan deliveries and the installation itself. |
Elevations | On all jobs | A side view of the building as seen from the street. | These give a general overview of the building and can help detail any pitch in the ceilings. |
Steelwork details | Commercial jobs and car parks | Details of structural beams and pillars. | Deep steels and columns can create obstructions which must be allowed for. |
Fire Strategy | All commercial and residential properties being built, extended or changing use. | Fire Strategies are required by Building Regulations in many cases. They provide key information which must be considered as part of the sprinkler design. | |
Mechanical and Electrical (M & E) Specification | When one exists | A performance specification for mechanical and electrical items. | Can be used to co-ordinated with other services and often contains key information for the sprinkler design about preferred enhancements and value engineering options. Where the M & E specification and AHJ requirements conflict, the AHJ requirements take precedent. |
Ventilation details | When ventilation is to be installed | Details of air conditioning and ventilation ductwork locations and routes. | Ductwork can sometimes cause an obstruction which will need to be co-ordinated around to ensure the sprinklers work as intended. |
Plant room details | On all jobs | Preferred location for the pump, tank, and valve set(s). | To ensure that required plant can fit in the space provided. If plant already exists, up to date details and test results should be provided. |
Cable tray details | When cable trays are to be installed. | Details of the cable tray locations and routes. Also known as “containment”. | Cable trays can sometimes cause an obstruction which will need to be co-ordinated around to ensure the sprinklers work as intended. |
Programme of works | When one exists | A list of key dates for the project. | To co-ordinate design, installation, deliveries, and commissioning. |
Reflective Ceiling Plan (RCP) | When one exists | Architectural drawings which have been marked up to show key objects, such as lighting locations. | To avoid any conflict on site and obstructions. |
Infill and water supply locations | On all jobs | The infill from the public mains may be located in a separate area from the plant room itself. | To confirm the calculations as part of the design and co-ordinate installation with other services. |
Riser location | On all jobs | The preferred location for the rising pipe. | To confirm the calculations as part of the design and co-ordinate installation with other services. |
Racking detail | On all jobs with racking | Details of the rack and pallet types used. | To ensure adequate protection to the racking, which could otherwise act as an obstruction. |
Storage requirements | On all jobs with storage areas | Detail of the items stored and block stacking areas | To ensure proper protection to the goods. In some cases, accurate information can substantially reduce cost in this aspect. |