Myths vs facts

When considering home fire sprinkler requirements for your community, it is important to address key myths often raised by sprinkler opponents. The fact is, because automatic sprinkler systems have been commonly used in structures for many years, the evidence is clear that such systemsare a proven way to protect lives and property against fires. Sprinklers alsorespond quickly and effectively to the presence of a nearby fire, and function well, without creating problems for homeowners.

Common myths include:

MYTH
“Home fire sprinklers are expensive and will make housing unaffordable, especially for first-time buyers moving to our area.”

FACT
The fact is, home fire sprinklers are affordable. The Fire Protection Research Foundation recently issued the Home Fire Sprinkler Cost Assessment report (PDF, 634 KB), which revealed that the cost of installing home fire sprinklers averages $1.61 per square foot for new construction. To put the cost of a sprinkler system into perspective, many people pay similar amounts for carpet upgrades, a paving stone driveway, or a whirlpool bath. Sales in many U.S. communities where sprinkler systems are available show that, not only are consumers requesting this feature, but also that houses with sprinkler systems are selling faster than those without.

Installing home fire sprinklers can help residents:

  • Significantly reduce property loss in the event of fire
  • Cut homeowner insurance premiums
  • Help qualify home for a tax rebate
  • Help support local fire service efforts

MYTH
We don't need sprinkler mandates; they can be installed in homes voluntarily.

FACT
Mandating sprinklers in new one- and two-family homes provides a greater overall level of safety in communities. By requiring these life-saving devices in new homes you are ensuring that a large number of residents can enjoy the same level of safety found in many offices, schools, apartments, and public buildings.

Beyond the life safety benefits of home sprinklers, there are other incentives for jurisdictions that mandate sprinklers in new homes. By mandating sprinkler requirements, cities and towns can reduce the strain on fire service personnel, limit damage to property, and help conserve municipal water resources by reducing the amount of water needed to fight fires (fire-fighting hoses use more than eight times the amount of water used by automatic fire sprinklers). 

MYTH 
“Home fire sprinklers often leak or activate accidentally.”

FACT
Home fire sprinkler systems are much like home plumbing systems – when installed and maintained properly, there is a very low risk of leaks. Each individual sprinkler is designed and calibrated to activate only when it senses a significant heat change, directing water to the area of the fire. Over the last 50 years, records indicate the likelihood of leaks from automatic sprinkler systems is very remote.

MYTH 
“If you want your home fire sprinklers to be reliable, they will need frequent, expensive maintenance.”

FACT
The standard design for home fire sprinklers is much simpler than the design for more traditional sprinklers like the ones used in commercial buildings.  If you install a home fire sprinkler system, the only “inspection and maintenance” you will need is to (a) walk around your home and make sure the sprinklers are not obstructed by something that would block the water coming out, and (b) avoid turning off the main control valve, which you don’t normally operate anyway. Read more.


MYTH
“When a fire occurs, every sprinkler will activate and everything in the house will be ruined.”

FACT
In the event of a fire, only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate, spraying water directly on the fire, leaving the rest of the house dry and secure. Ninety percent of the time, just one sprinkler operates.


MYTH
“The water damage caused by the sprinkler system will be more extensive than fire damage.”

FACT
Home fire sprinklers can significantly reduce property loss and damage due to a fire. The sprinkler will quickly control the heat and smoke from the fire, limiting damage to other areas of the house, giving residents valuable time to get out safely. Any resulting water damage from the sprinkler will be much less severe than the damage caused by water from fire-fighting hose lines. On average, home fire sprinkler systems use about eight times less water than fire hoses.

MYTH
“Home fire sprinkler systems are not practical in colder climates, as the pipes will freeze and cause water damage.”

FACT
With proper installation, home sprinkler systems will not freeze in cold settings.  NFPA13D sets forth guidelines on proper insulation to avoid pipes freezing. The Chicago area is a great example of a cold weather region where many jurisdictions have passed sprinkler mandates for new homes with limited to no problems with systems freezing.

MYTH
“Home fire sprinkler systems are unattractive and will ruin the aesthetics of our residents’ homes.”

FACT
Actually, new home fire sprinkler models are very unobtrusive, can be mounted flush with walls or ceilings, and can be concealed behind decorative covers.

MYTH
“Any time a smoke alarm goes off it will activate the home fire sprinklers.”

FACT
This is incorrect. Each individual sprinkler is designed and calibrated to activate when it senses a significant heat change. They do not operate in response to smoke, burned toast, cooking vapors, steam, or an activating smoke alarm.

MYTH
“A smoke alarm provides enough protection.”

FACT
Smoke alarms alert occupants to the presence of danger, but do nothing to extinguish the fire. Home fire sprinkler systems respond quickly to reduce heat, flames, and smoke from a fire, giving residents valuable time to get out safely. If you have a reported fire in your home, the risk of dying decreases by about 80 percent when sprinklers are present.