NFPA 14 - Standpipe installation within drywall
NFPA 14 - Standpipe installation within drywall
(OP)
Hello,
I live in an apartment in a new building in Houston and upon inspection I noticed that the main sprinkler system standpipe (used for multiple apartment sprinkler systems in that section of the building, 1 1/2'', CPVC orange pipe) is installed inside a drywall (sheetrock) more or less in the center of my apartment. There is no other protection for the standpipe other than the drywall itself. The pipe is located less than 2'' under the drywall surface.
Upon review of NFPA 14 I noticed that there's a section mentioning that standpipes should be protected against mechanical damage. I was therefore wondering if this kind of assembly is allowed since it seems that if I drive a nail into the wall it could easily damage the pipe.
In case I need it, who do you think I should contact regarding this?
Thanks,
Miguel
I live in an apartment in a new building in Houston and upon inspection I noticed that the main sprinkler system standpipe (used for multiple apartment sprinkler systems in that section of the building, 1 1/2'', CPVC orange pipe) is installed inside a drywall (sheetrock) more or less in the center of my apartment. There is no other protection for the standpipe other than the drywall itself. The pipe is located less than 2'' under the drywall surface.
Upon review of NFPA 14 I noticed that there's a section mentioning that standpipes should be protected against mechanical damage. I was therefore wondering if this kind of assembly is allowed since it seems that if I drive a nail into the wall it could easily damage the pipe.
In case I need it, who do you think I should contact regarding this?
Thanks,
Miguel





RE: NFPA 14 - Standpipe installation within drywall
Protection of the branch line or feed main from a nail penetration may have not been required at the time of construction. Your installation may be legal as it was approved when a previous edition of NFPA 13 or 13R was adopted by the City of Houston. Houston only updates their codes about every 8-10 years so I suspect the sprinkler system was installed using standards that are now 8-10 years old.
RE: NFPA 14 - Standpipe installation within drywall
This particular pipe feeds not only the sprinklers in my floor (2nd) but also all the sprinklers for the upper storeys. I know it goes all the way to the roof (there's a vent there).
thanks
RE: NFPA 14 - Standpipe installation within drywall
Since you know it is there, be careful and don't put any nails in the wall at that location.
Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC
www.mfpdesign.com
RE: NFPA 14 - Standpipe installation within drywall
RE: NFPA 14 - Standpipe installation within drywall
Cvpc fire sprinkler system
What section says to protect the pipe from nails or other protection, besides just being behind sheet rock when required
RE: NFPA 14 - Standpipe installation within drywall
I was referring to NFPA 14-2000, section 4-1.2.1, but this applies to the standpipe, not the smaller riser.
By the way, can anyone give me a rough order os magnitude on how much would cost to repair such pipe if it did get punctured by e.g. a nail?
Thanks again,
RE: NFPA 14 - Standpipe installation within drywall
Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC
www.mfpdesign.com
RE: NFPA 14 - Standpipe installation within drywall
RE: NFPA 14 - Standpipe installation within drywall
The manufacturer governs and supersedes any standard I believe.
RE: NFPA 14 - Standpipe installation within drywall
Not in 13 or by manufacture
If there is will someone please post it
RE: NFPA 14 - Standpipe installation within drywall