When one sprinkler activates, do they all activate?

No, because each sprinkler head uses a heat only sensitive mechanism, only the sprinkler over the fire will activate. If the fire continues to spread, then and only then will another sprinkler activate. In most home fires, only one or two sprinklers are actually triggered. Burnt toast or smoke will NOT activate a sprinkler, only heat in excessive of approximately 68ºC /155ºF.

Can the sprinkler go off by accident?

According to the factory Mutual Research Corporation the odds of a sprinkler going off accidentally are 1 in 16 million. You have better odds of getting struck by lighting or winning the lottery than having a sprinkler activate accidentally. All new sprinkler systems use sprinklers and piping that are rated for normal system pressures to 175 psi. These components can withstand pressure far in excess of that for short periods of time. Fire Busters tests all systems to 200 psi for a minimum of 2 hours as is recommended by the manufacturer.

Why do I need sprinkers if I have smoke detectors?

Smoke detectors are effective in detecting smoke from fire, but all too often smoke detectors are disconnected due to false alarms, or the batteries are dead. A smoke detector only senses the smoke from a fire; after that it is your responsibility to act and exit your home quickly. Fire sprinklers not only sense a fire, but they act quickly and discharge water to keep the fire under control. Fire sprinklers are not meant to replace smoke detectors. Smoke detectors are your first line of defense against the deadly smoke. Did you know that you loose your sense of smell when you are asleep?

Are sprinkler systems expensive?

Sprinklers are not really that expensive. A good estimate for new construction is $1.30 CDN per square foot. Existing buildings are a little more challenging, but easily outfitted. Fire Busters specializes in these installations, thus we have become very good at hiding pipes and keeping the prices within reach. If you compare these costs to the total building package they normally total less than 1%. Is the safety of your family more important than a carpet upgrade or some fancy landscaping? We would be glad to provide a free quotation, please e-mail us for further details.

Is the safety of your family just another option?

Are sprinklers ugly?

Dramatic changes in the sprinkler market have developed new good looking residential fire sprinklers. They are available today in a wide variety of finishes and styles to match any decor. See our sprinkler pictures page or download our flier for printing: Home Owner Edition / Contractor Edition.

Would my water damage insurance go up?

No it should not. You should receive a discount for having a residential fire sprinkler system. If you do not receive a discount that you feel is adequate, then shop around. See our insurance discount page for a list of companies offering discounts.