The argument that sprinklers may extinguish a fire but still cause an excess of water damage is incorrect for many reasons:

1. Contrary to popular belief only one head activates at a time, the head closest to the area with the greatest temperature. Usually one head is enough to extinguish the fire.

2. Sprinklers only release 8-24 gallons of water per minute, and on average run for only 3 minutes. In addition, sprinklers generally only cover 250-300 square feet. When compared to that of a fire hose, which spray 50-125 gallons of water per minute and can soak an entire house before extinguishing a fire, sprinkler damage is minimal.

Insurance companies offer generally 10-15% discounts for sprinkler systems. Some offer as much as 20-25%. Sprinkler leaks occurring from faulty installation or frozen piping can cause damages, however, if caught within a reasonable time period, damages are minimal. Accidental activation of a sprinkler system is extremely rare and usually only occurs by improper usage.

Smoke detectors increase the chances of sleeping residents being notified of potential fire, but does nothing to notify authorities, extinguish fire, or protect those physically unable to escape on their own (i.e. the elderly, or small children). Sprinkler systems in most cases extinguish a fire or at least contain it until authorities can arrive. With the addition of a flowswitch, sprinkler systems will contact authorities upon activation.

Costs associated with sprinkler systems are generally elevated by permit costs in the jurisdictions. Sprinkler systems make up about 1% (on average) of the total building cost (similar to the cost of new carpet). A recent report by Newport Partners states that the national average cost per square foot for a sprinkler system in a new single family home is $2.85.

Installing fire sprinklers in new residential construction will certainly reduce fire deaths, as shown in several studies done throughout test areas in the United States. Using Prince Georges County as a pertinent reference: in the 1980’s, P.G. County reported an average of 14 fire deaths a year and 104 fire injuries occurring annually. 89% of these losses were in residential properties. After the application of sprinkler law passed, an estimated 154 lives were saved from potential fire related deaths, and only 7 injuries reported from 1989 to 1999.

It is recommended that smoke detectors be replaced every 10 years in residences. In residential homes, sprinklers do not need to be changed every 10 years. Commercial structures must be inspected and sprinkler heads replaced accordingly as per NFPA 25. (Residential structures are not required to conform to NPFA 25. However, it is extremely good practice to get the sprinkler system tested once per year and the backflow preventer replaced every 5 years.)