Home Fire Sprinklers
Home Fire Sprinkler systems are not as expensive as you may think. On average, fire sprinklers can cost $1.35 per square foot of sprinkler space in new construction homes, saving you, your family, and your property.
If your home builder is not familiar with contractors that install residential fire sprinklers, you still have several options.
Where do I start?
Most contractors have Web pages describing their capabilities. You can also look in your local Yellow Pages under “Sprinklers, Fire”
Ask your local or state fire marshal if contractors in your state are required to be licensed. If they are, contact the state licensing board for a current list of licensed contractors.

Contact fire sprinkler contractor associations for names of residential sprinkler contractors in your area.
Any professional fire sprinkler contractor can install sprinklers, but for best results look for a contractor that specializes in residential fire sprinklers or one that has a residential sprinkler installation unit within the company.
What should I do if my home builder or architect has questions or says I don’t need fire sprinklers?
Most fire chiefs around the country will recommend fire sprinklers, as they have witnessed first hand their benefit to life and property safety. Some, but not all architects and builders are educated, at least partially, about residential fire sprinklers. If your builder and architect are not familiar with these systems, have them contact the organizations below for information.
And, if your builder or architect tries to discourage you from finding out more about your possibilities, you can obtain information by contacting any of these resources.
Any of the organizations listed in the Member Section.
U.S. Fire Administration (301-447-1018)
How much should I expect to pay for my fire sprinklers?
If installed during new home construction, home fire sprinklers cost an average of $1.35 per square foot of sprinklered space, which is about what you’d pay for an upgrade in carpeting. The investment in your family’s fire protection may be slightly lower or higher, depending on the location and complexity of the home.
How long should installation take? Can other construction work continue while the sprinklers are going in?
Again, fire sprinkler installations are like electricity, plumbing or any other operational system in your home. The total time involved will depend on the size and complexity of your home.
Certain portions of the installation (i.e. water piping) are more easily and cost-effectively installed in the earliest stages of construction, while the actual finish (i.e. installing the fire sprinkler devices, testing, etc.) will take place after the house is framed. Fire sprinklers are often completed prior to the other systems in your home, but other mechanical trades may work alongside the sprinkler contractor if necessary.
How do I take care of my fire sprinklers?
Residential fire sprinklers are basically maintenance free. The only testing required on a regular basis is opening the drain/test valve to check the alarm operation. Fire sprinklers are designed to operate properly for 20 years or more without any maintenance.
Some basic precautions to safeguard your fire sprinklers are:
Avoid painting or otherwise covering the fire sprinkler devices, as that will affect their sensitivity to heat.
Do not hang decorations, plants or other objects from the sprinkler or piping
What if my home will not be connected to a public water supply?
Homes can be protected by automatic fire sprinklers in even the most remote areas. Several manufacturers offer self-contained water tanks to supply residential fire sprinklers. These tanks are designed to fit in your garage or another storage area of the home, and they hold enough water to comply with the National Fire Protection Association Standard 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes.
Will my insurance premiums go up?
No. Generally insurance rates will go down because fire sprinklers will keep damage low. Shop around; the savings vary by insurance company.
For more information about installing home fire sprinklers, please feel free to contact the Office of The Fire Marshal.