Residential fire sprinklers

[Marc M]

Any of you guys check or include in your inspection residential fire sprinkler systems?

[Steven Turetsky]

I would mention that the system is there, what area is covered, if it were NFPA13, inspected, pressure at riser, where the main valve is, if the valve was open, type of valve, spare heads/wrench, and anything else that I was able to determine visually , and/or caught my eye (condition of heads, age of system, etc).

I would not start doing drain tests etc. I may mention the system should be inspected, but I certainly would not ignore that it exists.

I seldom see them in residential (1-2 family) structures,

[John Arnold]

http://www.inspectionnews.net/home_inspection/building-interior-home-inspection-commercial-inspection/24158-exclude-fire-suppression-systems.html

[Scott Patterson]

You really can not check a residental system, they are not like commercial systems. Outside of looking at the pressure gauge that is about all you can do.

I have found that in my area one toilet in the home will be supplied by the fire sprinkler system. If that toilet flushes then the system should work. It is usually an upstairs bathroom that is above or near the sprinkler cutoff valve/box.

[Eric Barker]

I have nothing to do with the systems.

[Ron Hasil]

If you touch any of the valves or such you best have your liability insurance up to date and make sure it covers a home burning down due a failed fire sprinkler system. I test backflow prevention devices for fire sprinklers as a Cross Connection Device Inspector, I had to have my insurance upgraded to cover a building during the test. Way most look at it is you where the last to touch it so you are liable.