sprinkle2013
Computer
Do fire Pumps have to drain to the sewer or storm drain
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Fire Pump drains
- Thread starter sprinkle2013
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skdesigner
Mechanical
Generally, the same place that the sprinkler systems drain to. More of a plumbing code requirement than fire (in my jurisdiction, at least). Call up the mechanical engineer that designed the drainage systems and ask.
R M Arsenault Engineering Inc.
R M Arsenault Engineering Inc.
SprinklerDesigner2
Mechanical
NFPA 20 calls for a floor drain but does not specify where it has to discharge to.
It never freezes here so we usually run it just a few inches under the concrete slab having it discharge just above grade.
It never freezes here so we usually run it just a few inches under the concrete slab having it discharge just above grade.
Per the IPC, this could be considered clear water waste, similar to condensate, which is supposed to go to the sanitary system. Since the water is typically chlorinated, if it comes from a municipal source, it is not appropriate to discharge to grade in large quantities. I think this is due to the EPA not wanting highly (?) chlorinated water discharged to the environment due to its impact on the soils/plants/etc. How this is different than lawn irrigation - I do not know.
If the water is fresh(?), an argument can be made, and depending on the AHJ, and can be made successfully, to send it to the storm or discharge to grade.
However, most water in a fire suppression system is not fresh (looks very colored and slimey), so you may have difficulty getting it approved to dump to grade or directed to the storm.
To be safe, send it to the sanitary.
If the water is fresh(?), an argument can be made, and depending on the AHJ, and can be made successfully, to send it to the storm or discharge to grade.
However, most water in a fire suppression system is not fresh (looks very colored and slimey), so you may have difficulty getting it approved to dump to grade or directed to the storm.
To be safe, send it to the sanitary.
MatthewJWillis
Mechanical
The water in a sprinkler system looks black and slimy because of the coatings and such on the pipe. This water is different than the water emitting from the pump.
The water from the pump has just done a couple laps inside the impeller, then is routed thru the ½" or ¾" release. No worries of sliming there.
I like the comparison to lawn sprinklers. I may try to use that in the future.
R/
Matt
The water from the pump has just done a couple laps inside the impeller, then is routed thru the ½" or ¾" release. No worries of sliming there.
I like the comparison to lawn sprinklers. I may try to use that in the future.
R/
Matt
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