Sprinkler systems

Are sprinklers mandatory by legislation?

Arising from The Domestic Fire Safety (Wales) Measure 2011, a Fire Suppression System (e.g. a sprinkler system) is required in properties that have been built from the ground up or had a material change of use (including changing the number of dwellings in the property) since 1st January 2016.

Is it necessary to inspect and maintain a sprinkler system, and how often?

If the property is a HMO, it is clear that there is a legal obligation to do so, as Section 4(2) of The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Wales) Regulations 2006 says “the manager must ensure that any fire fighting equipment and fire alarms are maintained in good working order”. For non-HMOs, there is no direct legal requirement, but British Standard (BS) 9251 provides guidance on regular inspection (at least annually), testing, and maintenance procedures to ensure the ongoing reliability and performance of the sprinkler system. This includes tasks such as checking for leaks, inspecting sprinkler heads, testing alarm systems, and conducting periodic flow tests to verify water flow and pressure. It goes on to state that all systems, commissioning and maintenance activity must be documented. As such, we highly recommend that all sprinkler systems are inspected annually.

Who can inspect and maintain sprinklers?

As the inspection and testing of a sprinkler system can be complex, it is always recommended that it is done by a professional: often the original installer.

How much does a sprinkler inspection cost?

The average cost of a sprinkler inspection ranges between £120-£150. At CPS Homes, we have trusted connections with local, qualified trades who can get your report issued quickly and professionally, all for a very reasonable cost due to the amount of work we issue to them. If you are a landlord in Cardiff and want to learn more about this benefit offered exclusively to our managed clients, get in touch with us today on 02920 668585 or lettings@cpshomes.co.uk.

Disclaimer: whilst we endeavour to keep the information on this page up-to-date, legislation, British Standards and general guidance can and do change – often without prior notice. As such, CPS Homes cannot guarantee with absolute certainty that the information on this page is fully up-to-date.