When it comes to protecting yourself from the threat of a
fire, no option compares to fire sprinklers. They don’t need anyone to operate
them, nor does anyone have to be around to even activate them. They contain the
fire as much as possible so it doesn’t spread, and they limit the amount of
property damage done. For all these reasons and more, you should be considering
fire sprinkler installation. However, if you’re looking to save a buck or
simply enjoy a good project, you may also be considering handling the project
on your own. Before you do, let’s take a look at fire sprinkler installation
and some things you should know.
Handling Fire Sprinkler Installation on Your Own
The truth of the matter is that you have a number of options
for installing your own fire sprinkler system. Thanks to the Internet, all the
parts are out there. So long as you have an understanding of your piping
system, you may very well be able to pull off an installation. Plus, the actual
fire sprinklers only need to be connected to the pipes. Their design ensures
they’ll go off if a fire happens.
That being said, this doesn’t mean handling your own fire
sprinkler installation is a good idea. The American Fire Sprinkler Association
is very much opposed to the idea of anyone without formal training attempting
this process.
For one thing, they recommend that you only use materials
approved by the National Fire Protection Association and that your installation
meets their standards. Even with the Internet on your team, you may have a hard
time pulling his off. Meeting their standards may also be difficult if you’re
not sure on what exactly they mean.
Plus, you need to consider your insurance company. Many
providers lower your premiums after a fire sprinkler installation. However,
chances are they’re also very specific about who can handle it. If you’re not
licensed, credentialed, certified, etc., there’s a good chance your insurance
company doesn’t want you doing it. They may not lower your premium or, in the
event of a fire, they may not be legally obligated to help you.
Saving some
money upfront really won’t be worth it then.
Your home may never catch fire (hopefully), but it can still
take on plenty of damage if you try installing your own sprinkler system. The
process involves altering the supply of water to your home meaning you’ll be
giving it access to just about every room. This isn’t anything to worry about
so long as the installation is handled correctly. However, if it’s not, you
could have a pipe break or a sprinkler head drop out and all your hard work
will simply net you one wet house.
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The Cost of Professional Fire Sprinkler Installation
Plus, the fact of the matter is that having a professional
install your sprinkler heads really isn’t that expensive. Many people may
actually find that, because of their specialized tools and knowledge, letting a
professional handle things is actually cheaper; it will definitely save you
time.
Last year, the Fire Protection Research Foundation updated
their Home Fire Sprinkler Cost Assessment Report. By their estimates,
installing fire sprinklers in your home should only cost about $1.35 for every
square foot of coverage in a home still under construction. That’s down more
than 20% from 2008. Plus, people pay around the same amount to upgrade their
carpets, pave a stone driveway or install a whirlpool bath. Those are all nice
additions, to be sure, but none of them will save you and your family’s lives.
Furthermore, all the data shows that home sprinkler systems
are becoming increasingly popular. This means that your investment may also
help you sell your home down the road as consumers become more familiar with
the feature and start demanding it in houses they consider. To some degree,
that trend has already begun as homes with sprinkler systems consistently sell
faster than those without.
Lastly, check with your local municipality. Having a
professional handle your fire sprinkler installation may also net you a nice little tax rebate.
Homes with sprinklers installed are better off for a number
of reasons. They’ll save lives and money in the event of a fire and may even
help your budget in the meantime. However, if you plan on installing them on
your own, you’ll be putting all this at risk.
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