Fire Supplies
Domestic/residential fire sprinkler systems can be fitted to new and existing residential properties. The designer or installer should always take into consideration that United Utilities cannot guarantee pressure or flows as this is limited to the water available in the network at any time.
You can apply for a fire supply at the same time as you apply for a water connection.
To ensure critical supplies are always available, we recommend designing and installing tank feeds with booster pumps.
Domestic fire supplies may be provided from one single supply capable of delivery both the domestic flows at the water used by the dire system. In this scenario, only the domestic flow shall be metered. If the fire and domestic supplies are provided from the same mains connection, it shall be so arranged that the normal supply can be isolated from outside the premises, whilst leaving the firefighting supply intact.
Commercial premises must have their own dedicated fire connection from the main and cannot be split off the same connection as the metered supply. The designer or installer should always take into consideration that United Utilities cannot guarantee pressure or flows as this is limited to the water available in the network at any time.
Fire Supply Requirements
All fire supplies must be fitted with backflow prevention devices to protect water quality within the United Utilities network. Where the property is to have a single feed for the domestic and fire usage, the back flow prevention device should be fitted where the supply splits.
An isolating valve must be fitted between the mains supply and the sprinkler installation. Any such device should have minimal effect on pressure or flow.
Identification of pipework must follow BS1710:2014.
Fire supply pipes 63mm and above are to be hydraulically pressure tested. Fire supply pipes 80mm or above will require chlorinating, as well as pressure testing, and sample results need to be provided to United Utilities.
Further information for water supply to domestic fire sprinkler systems can be found on the Water UK website.
Fire main specification
