Residential sprinklers are practical. They are small enough to blend into a typical household and are attractively designed. The sprinkler heads stand out less than one inch from the ceiling. You also can buy ornamental plates to blend in with the decor of a home. A home system uses much less water than an industrial or commercial system.
Many people have a concern about sprinklers accidentally going off in their home.
One study showed that sprinkler accidents generally were less frequent and less severe than accidents involving the rest of the home's plumbing system. Some people believe that water damage from sprinklers will do more damage than the fire itself. Water damage from sprinklers is not greater than fire damage. Plus, the value of the lives that might be saved is far greater than any furniture or carpeting. Residential sprinkler systems are far less expensive than they used to be, principally because of the new, quick-response residential sprinklers and the smaller water supplies they require.