Sprinklers Need A New Water Line?

With a two-family home, we are installing a fire sprinkler system as part of our home project. Now a plumber told me that the FDNY requires we add a new water line specifically for the sprinkler system–separate from the regular water line. My architect and engineers say that’s hogwash, and they have done several sprinkler systems in homes like ours over the years. Plus, DOB has approved our plans as they are.

But the plumber who raised the issue says the FDNY can halt our project if we don’t and that the FDNY supersedes the DOB. We have reached out to the FDNY but, of course, have heard no response.

I don’t know what’s true. Anyone have any knowledge or experience with this? All info its appreciated.

k&k

Guest User | 6 years and 6 months ago

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Guest User | 5 years and 11 months ago

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thanks for all of your info

Guest User | 6 years and 6 months ago

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It depends. 1-2 family dwellings are permitted to have their sprinkler systems run off the single service from the street (aka the “domestic” service) as permitted under NFPA 13D (the national fire protection association’s code for domestic sprinkler systems). This is codified under NYC Building Code section 903.3.1.3 made applicable to all buildings regardless of age by NYC admin code section 28-101.4.3 exception 2.

BUT, and this is a major BUT, if the domestic service off the mains isn’t adequate an enlarged domestic service or an additional service for just the sprinklers may be required and a booster pump may also need to be installed. Typically the NYC DOB rule of thumb is up to 20 heads can run off the domestic per Building Code section 903.3.5.1.1. Your engineer is right but your plumber has valid reasons for concern. As its on the engineer’s head if the hydraulic sprinkler load was improperly calculated I would tell your plumber not to worry about it. Chances are very likely FDNY will be fine because its extremely common for sprinklers to run off the domes tic in 1-2 family homes throughout NYC.

As a final note the actual pressure in the line must be tested by the plumber and witnessed by an independent inspector (or the the DOB plumbing division) prior to the system being signed off per Building Code section 1704.23 and 1704.23.1. This may be where the plumber’s concern is coming from. If he’s testing the lines and the pressure isn’t adequate then the engineer has to design a way to correct for that.

restorationcontractor | 6 years and 6 months ago

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I think the confusion is that the building is not a multiple dwelling, it is a “private house”
“A “private dwelling” is any building or structure designed and occupied exclusively for residence purposes by not more than two families.”
https://codes.findlaw.com/ny/multiple-dwelling-law/mdw-sect-4.html
That being said, will your existing water supply be able to support the sprinkler system?

Guest User | 6 years and 6 months ago

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I recently had the same issue on one of my properties and unfortunately I was required to have a dedicated sprinkler main installed due to the renovation. I used Harris Water who seem to be the the most commonly used in Brooklyn- give them a call and they can probably advise as needed.

Guest User | 6 years and 6 months ago

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a2chitect | 6 years and 6 months ago

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I agree with Jim Hill on this one. If you are talking about a small amount of heads, it may work to use the existing water service, but in general, if you are installing a new service for an entire house, you will need a new service.

mozeeatupu | 6 years and 6 months ago

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RCNY §29-06
CHAPTER 29 SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

yudashasom | 6 years and 6 months ago

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I can’t point you to a code, but AFAIK, sprinklers require a independent main.

The question about were your plans self certified is very important here. The DOB relies on your architect/engineer knowing what they are doing, and following code.. If you are audited, or during the inspections, mistakes like this can come up.. and it can be costly.

jimhillra | 6 years and 6 months ago

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I’ve seen it go both ways. It’s my understanding that a limited amount of sprinkler heads can be installed on the domestic water service line if the size of the pipe is big enough to handle the number of sprinklers needed. It may just be that the house is of a size that the existing line cannot support all of the necessary heads. I would go with the engineer’s recommendation.

Guest User | 6 years and 6 months ago

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a2chitect: can you please tell me what code or regulation clearly states the requirement? Been searching.

Guest User | 6 years and 6 months ago

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Plans were done by New York Engineers, and DOB approved.

a2chitect | 6 years and 6 months ago

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We are currently installing a new sprinkler system in a 2-family home and a completely new water line must be brought in from the street. Not hogwash. Were your plans Professionally Certified?

Guest User | 6 years and 6 months ago

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hmmmm. We will have a tenant in our basement apartment, and my family will live in the rest of the house. This is a big decision with potential consequences and I just cannot find ANYTHING on it. Plumbers and engineers are not even in agreement. Sheesh!

mozeeatupu | 6 years and 6 months ago

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When a sprinkler system is supplied direct from a public water main, it shall be separately and independently connected to the public water main.
However that’s for multiple dwellings, not sure if the same applies for 2 family.

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