Sprinkler Head Inside Drywall
Sprinkler Head Inside Drywall
(OP)
Hi There,
First time poster here... I checked through your forums and didn't see much related to this problem.
I recently took a walk through of a space under construction (A residence in NYC) and noticed that rather than removing the sprinkler heads that we had asked them to, the contractor had simply buried them inside of drywall.
The heads were originally there to provide a fire rating for some exposed columns, which in the renovation were given two layers of drywall to cover them. The heads are outside of these layers of drywall but inside of another that's to become a closet wall.
I've attached a picture of one of the offending heads (this happens multiple times in the apartment, with the same general idea).
http://fil es.enginee ring.com/g etfile.asp x?folder=b 4821456-ed c7-4819-9d 79-9798536 ffc3b& file=SPHEA DKELLY.jpg
Besides being terrible engineering practice, is there an actual code violation involved here?
If it were just up to me I'd have them remove the heads properly, however the architect wants the project completed ASAP because the client is in a rush to get their home back. (go figure).
Any and all advice is appreciated.
First time poster here... I checked through your forums and didn't see much related to this problem.
I recently took a walk through of a space under construction (A residence in NYC) and noticed that rather than removing the sprinkler heads that we had asked them to, the contractor had simply buried them inside of drywall.
The heads were originally there to provide a fire rating for some exposed columns, which in the renovation were given two layers of drywall to cover them. The heads are outside of these layers of drywall but inside of another that's to become a closet wall.
I've attached a picture of one of the offending heads (this happens multiple times in the apartment, with the same general idea).
http://fil
Besides being terrible engineering practice, is there an actual code violation involved here?
If it were just up to me I'd have them remove the heads properly, however the architect wants the project completed ASAP because the client is in a rush to get their home back. (go figure).
Any and all advice is appreciated.





RE: Sprinkler Head Inside Drywall
RE: Sprinkler Head Inside Drywall
RE: Sprinkler Head Inside Drywall
You most find the most cost effective way to avoid having to plug all these heads. If is not violating any spray pattern codes I would just leave them in there as draining the systems could be costly. Let me know
RE: Sprinkler Head Inside Drywall
NJ1, did you look at the picture? I agree with SD2 (as usual).
Non-combustible concealed space - not required to be sprinklered. Safer to remove the head, as I am near certain (without even looking) there is probably something in NFPA 13 that says you can't install heads behind walls..
RE: Sprinkler Head Inside Drywall
It is better removing the heads however this is NYC. Remember I am in NJ and I am familiar with sprinkler systems in NY.
There is nothing in NFPA 13 that says you cant have sprinklers behind walls however if the sprinkler head is closer than 4" to any wall then is an obstruction and most be removed or relocated. As far as removing the heads I agree with you but my friend working in NYC specially draining a sprinkler system is a nightmare. If any city official such as fire inspectors, fire officials, water department, EPA, etc sees that sprinkler systems is being drained they will mess with you asking for permits, certificate of fitness, etc.
Better leave the heads there if no spray pattern obstruction is being done.
RE: Sprinkler Head Inside Drywall
Also possible leaks in the future????
RE: Sprinkler Head Inside Drywall
RE: Sprinkler Head Inside Drywall
I am throwing in with NJ1, it's not against code to conceal the heads and if you don't want to spend at what would be at least a few hundred dollars to have them pulled then just leave them.
Best practice would be to take them out and avoid any future headaches that may be caused by leaving them, but the code wouldn't dictate it.
One thing to check in NFPA is wording on having intermediate temperature heads in a concealed space, I can't recall if that was any concealed space, or a combustibel concealed space. If it is any concealed space then you need to change the head and at that point you might as well remove the piping.
RE: Sprinkler Head Inside Drywall
Must have been thinking about sprinklers in duct work
RE: Sprinkler Head Inside Drywall
RE: Sprinkler Head Inside Drywall
RE: Sprinkler Head Inside Drywall
Regards
Dave
RE: Sprinkler Head Inside Drywall
The only concern is that it could get warm in a wall cavity if there is some heat like some wiring with a high current draw or a recessed control panel or something. Concealed sprinklers normally have a higher temperature rating?
It's true NFPA says a sprinkler shouldn't be within 4" of a wall, but the rules for obstruction don't seem to apply to concealed spaces - it's too hard to get the sprinkers away from ducts.
RE: Sprinkler Head Inside Drywall
Regards
Dave