Wet-Pipe Sprinkler Systems

Wet-pipe fire suppression systems are designed and installed by licensed fire-protection contractors based on the building professional's or engineer’s determination of the hazards.

Wet-Pipe Sprinkler System Advantages

• They are simple and reliable. Wet pipe sprinkler systems have the least number of components and, therefore, the lowest number of items to malfunction. The fewer the components, the more reliable a system generally is.  This is extremely important, because the system must be in readiness at all times, yet it may not be called upon to perform for many years after installation.
• Installation costs are relatively low. Because of this, wet-pipe systems require the least amount of capital and time for installation.
• Maintenance costs are lower. Since there are fewer components in these systems, they cost less to maintain.
• System is automatically tested in the case of a redesign. In order to modify the design, the system's water supply must be shut off and the pipes drained.  Upon refilling the pipes and before returning to service, the system must be pressurized and tested again.
• Less time out of service following a fire.  For the most part, the system is made ready again by simply replacing the sprinkler heads which have had their fusible link melted during the fire.  Once these are replaced, the system may be filled, tested, and returned to useful service.

Wet-Pipe Sprinkler System Disadvantages

• Not suited for areas exposed to outside air and freezing temperatures.  If sprinkler piping must run in spaces under these circumstances, then provision must be made to prevent the pipes from freezing.  This may be resolved by providing heat to the area in which the exposure occurs or by switching to a dry-pipe system in the area subject to freezing.  Either of these solutions adds cost to the job.  In addition, if an area is subject to severe impact, then damage could occur and cause a leak.