VC 20 nonsense / Sprinkler pressure Help needed

Hello,
To satisfy VC20 inspection for FDNY, the pressure at the highest point of the sprinkler system should be at 15psi.
As of today my pressure at the two last sprinkler head is at 7psi which is acceptable per DOB requirement but not fdny.
My plumber is trying to sell me a fire pump (total cost $70K) to bring pressure to the last TWO sprinkler head of the line, but I find it ridiculous and also I do not have the money to do this.
Our building was recently converted and is up to DEP code, DOB code and gets a 50 PSI AFTER backflow device which should be enough to bring pressure everywhere.
I am at lost and extremely worried. I am contemplating fighting this to court but would appreciate if a Master plumber or somebody could help me instead.
Thank you

arnaudg

in General Discussion 6 years and 3 months ago

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arnaudg | 6 years and 2 months ago

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Building is from cellar to bulk head 65ft. Pressure after backflow device is about 50 psi.
Technically I should be ok… any recco on someone who would be willing to handle sprinkler/boiler/backflow/ and overall care and inspection of these plumbing systems?

Master Plvmber | 6 years and 2 months ago

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How tall is the building? From the incoming pressure, subtract 1 PSI for every 28″ of height to the highest sprinkler head to tell you how much static pressure you’ve got there. Dynamic pressure is a different story but most 3-4 story buildings in BK are compliant.

arnaudg | 6 years and 2 months ago

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Also quick update.. the previous plumber installed a 200 psi gauge and told me it was what the fdny was requiring.
He told me that my pressure was at 7-9 psi which was bellow what fdny is requesting (15).
I challenged him saying that from my persoective the gauge was too big to register a number so low and I asked him to install a smaller one which he refused.
I installed myself a 15psi gauge and i meet the requirement…

arnaudg | 6 years and 2 months ago

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It is a 3 family building. And I am planning to fight this as I think the plumbing company is trying to sell me a water pump that i do not need…

mozeeatupu | 6 years and 3 months ago

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Get a second opinion

jakesprague | 6 years and 3 months ago

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how many units is this building ? did it get resolved ? Can you use a pressure pump? I am not a plumber but interested in this subject.