Domestic Sprinkler Systems

Disadvantages of Sprinkler Systems for Domestic Properties

Sprinklers can be a brilliant solution in large industrial and commercial settings, but for domestic settings they present a few issues to overcome. The main issue with sprinkler systems is the volume of water that they use when operated (usually around 60 litres / minute / head), which for a domestic setting presents the following challenges –

• Large volumes of water discharged through a sprinkler system leave a huge clear-up post discharge – in an industrial or commercial setting this may have fell onto a factory or warehouse floor which with the right kit is relatively easy to clean-up. There may be some collateral damage to fixtures and fittings, but on the whole clean-up should be fairly quick and easy to do. In a domestic setting, however, this water damage would most probably be devastating – even leading to plasterboard, wiring and room structure damage, and possibly the floors below it with the water running through (massive issue in multi-occupancy buildings, as you are damaging other people’s homes.)
• A large volume of water needs a large space for it to be stored in, so think about large tanks with large footprints and lots of wasted space that could be used for living in.
• Maintenance – There are normally at least two sprinkler pumps to consider, that need testing and servicing regularly. These will probably need 3-phase power which might not be available in a domestic setting.
• Possible false activations – Traditional sprinkler heads use a single knock activation, so when the red tube in the sprinkler is broken, it will flow until a responsible person turns off the water supply or the water storage tank is empty.