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The insurance industry likes it and the contractors like it.
Enough said.
Some time back I asked my insurance agent if I put a hose connection for the FD on my 12K catchment tank would I get a break on my premium? The answer was "No!, of course not!". Also, enough said.
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There likely would be a reduction in premium for having such a system - at least from reputable insurers. The problems are 1) as Rob suggests you cannot do it yourself and 2) the premium reduction is based on the probability of a fire in the first place, which works out to less then the extra monthly cost (mortgage) of the system. Great if you want it and can afford it but a real bummer if it is that final cost that pushes the house out of what you can afford.
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Rob, my point in bringing up other fields which require licensed operators is that there is an "assumption of incompetence" in many fields. While I see your point about the realities of work by licensed plumbers who hire know-nothings, I don't think an assumption of competence by everyone would be a fair starting point either.
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hotinhawaii,
It works in most other states. I am not suggesting abandoning permits or site inspections. Building inspectors often fail inspections by licensed people....so what? If the work is up to code, it's up to code. If not, it is not. If the truly incompetent require multitude inspections there is a provision in the code to charge for extra inspections.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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sprinklers are a cheap investment if they save a life. The metal pipes required are the budget buster imho.
In the mainland cabin we pump water to fill the fire tanks up the hill. Seems like out here the same inexpensive ($300.00) gasoline water pumps would make great fire pumps if connected to a catchment tank.
search "trash pump" for details
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I don't think a trash pump would be approved.
This is what would probably be required for those on catchment.
http://www.generalairproducts.com/Fire-P...a-13d.html
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Be careful what you wish for:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/20...allen.html
"Allen was injured when water from the mansion fire sprinkler system filled a false ceiling, causing it to collapse. The sprinkler pipe had apparently been damaged by the fire."
(California code required PVC sprinkler pipes.)
Edited to correct my dyslexic spelling.
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The whole problem her is the inspectors and the county want to push the liability onto the contractors, not themselves. Both plumbing and electrical can be safely done by any reasonably competent home owner. In most state the inspectors will work with a home owner to make sure the job is done right. My approach in my own home is " Its always better to ask forgiveness, than ask permission." I inquired about the cost of having an on demand water heater installed. A simple 2 hour job I could teach a monkey to do, and was quoted over 1500. Needless to say I said not no but hell no. As for fire sprinklers, those I brought from the mainland required only 40 psi to provide full coverage.
dick wilson
"Nothing is idiot proof,because idiots are so ingenious!"
dick wilson
"Nothing is idiot proof,because idiots are so ingenious!"
