Alternative Residential Sprinkler Systems

Sidewall

• Most conventional sprinkler systems are installed in the ceiling. An alternative is to install sprinkler heads in the walls instead. This option results in sprinkler heads that are less obvious, as they are easy to block or disguise on a wall. The other advantage is that some ceilings are not heated very well, which makes them a less than ideal location for water pipes. Sprinklers with supply lines in the walls may face less problems with freezing.

Mist Systems

• Some sprinkler systems use a fine mist when combatting a fire. These misting systems require more heads on the system so the installation of the piping and sprinkler heads is more costly. The upside to these systems is that they use less water to put out an equivalent fire than the standard systems. This means that once the fire is controlled, the resultant water damage to the property from the sprinklers may be less.

Decorator Sprinklers

• Decorator sprinklers are designed to blend into the background as seamlessly as possible. Normal sprinkler systems have heads that protrude from the ceiling, which are hardly part of most contemporary design schemes. Decorator sprinklers are meant to look better and to be as discreet as possible. In addition to the head design itself, it may also be recessed in the ceiling to further hide it from view.

Piping

• Traditionally, piping to residential sprinklers systems was done using regular copper water-supply lines or CPVC. New plastic alternatives are available. PEX is a new alternative that someone installing a residential fire sprinkler system should strongly consider. One of the large strengths of PEX lines is that if they freeze, the line will not likely be permanently damaged. This contrasts against PVC, which stands a very high chance of shattering if frozen.