Home Fire Sprinkler Myths and Facts

MYTH: The water damage from sprinklers is worse than a fire.

FACT: A sprinkler will control a fire with a tiny fraction of the water used by fire department hoses because a sprinkler activates during the early stages of a fire, before it has a chance to spread. Automatic sprinkler systems spray water only in the immediate area of the fire, usually with just one sprinkler operating. As a result, the fire is kept from spreading, and water damage is minimized.

MYTH: Sprinklers go off unintentionally.

FACT:The odds are 1 in 16 million that a sprinkler will inadvertently dfischarge because of a manufacturing defect. One study concluded that inadvertent sprinkler accidents are less likely to happen and less severe if they do occur than mishaps involving standard home plumbing systems. And, contrary to the message conveyed by television sitcoms, cigarette smoke will not trigger sprinkler operation.

MYTH: Sprinklers are ugly.

FACTS: Modern sprinkler fixtures are inconspicuous and can be mounted flush with walls or ceilings. Some sprinklers can even be concealed. And, as with plumbing, pipes can be hidden behind ceilings or walls.

MYTH: Sprinklers are expensive.

FACT: Home fire sprinkler systems often cost less than kitchen cabinet upgrades, new carpeting, or other major purchases in new home construction. Adding 1 percent to 1-1/2 percent to the cost of new housing is a good rule of thumb for determining the cost of a home fire sprinkler system. Fire sprinklers can also be installed in existing homes. Some insurance carriers offer discounts that range from 2 percent to 20 percent for homes protected by automatic fire sprinklers.

MYTH: I have smoke alarms; I don't need sprinklers.

FACT: Although smoke alarms are essential in every household, they're designed to warn occupants about a fire, not to control the fire. Home fire sprinklers complement a smoke alarm's early warning by providing a way to fight flames immediately. Home fire sprinklers dramatically reduce the risk of home fire deaths, and the can decrease fire damage by as much as two-thirds.