Nashville Plumbers Blog - Fix It All Plumbing

Maintaining Fire Sprinkler Systems

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When most of us think about fire safety, plumbing doesn’t come to mind. Fires cause some of the most devastating damage to homes and family belongings. It is worth taking the time to prevent them. After all, nearly all things related to plumbing involve water, which puts out fire, at least in my mind. Below is one fire hazard often missed, as it involves the systems that help put out or slow the fire itself.

About Fire Sprinkler Systems

Some home owners opt to have sprinkler systems installed. Others buy homes with sprinklers in them already. If certain homeowners have ever faced a fire in the past, they are highly likely to look into sprinkler systems. There is quite a bit of apprehension among homeowners to take the plunge and get a sprinkler system installed. Homeowners have often heard that a sprinkler system can cause more harm than good. What if I burn my popcorn in the microwave? Will all the sprinklers start going off? The answer is no for two reasons. 1) Sprinklers in homes are heat activated rather than smoke activated. 2) The sprinklers are set to go off one at a time rather than all at once.

Tennessee fire sprinklers plumbers

Fire Hazards Related To Sprinkler Systems

The most obvious fire hazard related to these sprinklers is that the system simply does not function. Alternatively, it may not have water hooked up to it. The first step to ensure the sprinkler system works is to have it inspected and repaired if needed. If the water supply is not connected to the sprinkler system,  licensed experienced plumbers can help. The same holds true if the water reaching the sprinklers is not adequate. Call a plumber who knows the local fire safety regulations.  Low water pressure may be the issue.

Tennessee Sprinkler System Regulations

Some states require residences to have sprinkler systems. Washington DC has required it since the beginning of 2011.  Tennessee does not require residences to have such systems. According to the International Residential Code (IRC), Tennessee allows much of the sprinkler requirements to be left up to the jurisdictions. The state of Tennessee will not enforce the requirement of fire sprinklers in one or two family homes.