All our residential sprinkler systems are designed and installed to meet BS 9251 and BS 9991, ensuring full compliance with UK building regulations.
From single flats and loft conversions to large houses and apartment blocks, our sprinkler systems are scalable and adaptable to any residential setting.
Sprinkler heads activate individually during a fire, releasing water directly where it’s needed—slowing the spread and allowing safe evacuation.
We use proven components from leading manufacturers, installed to exacting standards for durability and long-term reliability.
As a company that provides both sprinklers and mist, we offer impartial advice on the best system for your home—not just the one we make.
Every installation is supported by dedicated project oversight, from design to final commissioning, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish.
With SmartMist-approved engineers across the UK, we deliver consistent quality and service wherever you’re based.
We don’t just walk away after installation. Our team provides full aftercare, including annual servicing and emergency support when you need it most.
Understanding BS 9251 Fire Sprinkler Categories
Choosing the right sprinkler system depends on your property type and fire safety requirements. BS9251 categorises residential fire sprinklers as follows:
Domestic Sprinklers (Category 1 & 2)
- Designed for single-family homes, small apartments, and loft conversions
- Typically smaller systems with fewer heads and lower water supply requirements
- Often connected directly to the mains water supply.
Residential Sprinklers (Category 3 & 4)
- Required for HMOs, care homes, and larger residential buildings
- More complex system designs with multiple zones
- May require a dedicated water tank to provide adequate pressure and flow.
A reliable water supply is essential for the effective operation of any fire sprinkler system. While some systems can operate directly from the mains water supply, others may require additional support to meet the necessary flow and pressure demands.
When Is a Pump Needed?
Fire sprinkler systems typically demand higher water flow rates than mist systems. In many cases, especially in larger homes or multi-occupancy buildings, the existing mains water supply may not provide sufficient flow or pressure. A general guideline is that if the incoming mains supply pipe is less than 40mm in diameter, a booster pump is often necessary to ensure adequate performance.
However, each property is unique, and factors such as building size, number of sprinkler heads, andlocal water pressure must be considered. Therefore, a professional assessment is essential to determine whether a pump is required for your specific situation.
Types of Water Supply Configurations
Depending on the assessment, your sprinkler system may utilize one of the following water supply configurations:
• Direct Mains-Fed Systems: Suitable when the mains water supply provides sufficient pressure and flow. These systems are straightforward and cost-effective but rely entirely on the consistency of the mains supply.
• Mains-Fed with Booster Pump: Employed when the mains supply is reliable but lacks the necessary pressure. A booster pump increases the pressure to meet system requirements. It's important to note that while booster pumps can enhance pressure, they do not increase the flow rate.
• Stored Water with Pump: Used when the mains supply cannot meet the system's flow and pressure needs. This setup involves a water storage tank and a pump to deliver the required water volume and pressure. It's a common solution for larger residential buildings or areas with inconsistent mains supply.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety
All sprinkler system installations should comply with the BS 9251:2021 standard, which outlines the requirements for residential and domestic fire sprinkler systems in the UK. This includes ensuring that the water supply—whether from mains, booster pump, or storage tank—can deliver the necessary flow and pressure for the system's design.
Our Approach
We conduct a thorough survey of your property's water supply infrastructure to determine the most effective and compliant solution for your sprinkler system. Our goal is to design a system that ensures optimal performance, reliability, and safety, tailored to your specific needs.
Our Installation Process
We begin by understanding your property and safety needs.
Our engineers produce a detailed, tailored design—at no cost.
You review and approve the plan before we move forward.
Installed by trained SmartMist professionals to exacting standards.
Flexible maintenance plans keep your system in peak condition.
Size & Layout - More sprinkler heads increase complexity and cost.
Water Supply - Tank-fed systems generally cost more than mains-fed.
New Build vs. Retrofit - Retrofitting a sprinkler system may require additional work.
Regulatory Compliance - Meeting building regulations may influence system design.
We provide detailed, transparent pricing for all installations.
Why Regular Servicing is Essential
Misting systems require periodic maintenance to ensure they function correctly in an emergency. Our maintenance plans help keep your system in top condition.
Our Maintenance Services Include:
- Annual inspections - Checking for leaks, blockages, and wear.
- Tank cleaning & refilling - For properties with tank-fed systems.
- Compliance checks - Keeping your system up to date with BS 9251 and BS 9991 regulations.
We offer flexible maintenance plans to suit all types of residential sprinkler systems.
To start the process of designing and quoting your sprinkler system, we require the following:
Floor Plans - A clear layout of your property to determine the placement of sprinkler heads.
Fire Strategy - Specification of the areas that require fire suppression, based on building regulations.
Once we have these details, we can begin the design process and provide you with a tailored quote.
Our client embarked on a significant home development project in Wimbledon, transforming their loft, previously used for storage, into a fully functional living space with an en-suite bathroom.
While the Building Control Officers had approved the development, they required the installation of a mist system for enhanced fire safety. Familiar with SmartMist's reputation and quality of work through previous installations, they recommended our system to the homeowner.
The main challenge for SmartMist's engineers was to seamlessly integrate our work with the ongoing construction. The project required two distinct installation approaches: for the new loft, pipework had to be installed initially and revisited for a second fix after the ceiling construction. The floors below needed a retrofit installation, with existing ceilings and steel beams presenting additional complexity.
Our design team faced the task of creating a fire suppression system that not only adhered to the fire strategy but also harmonized with the property's aesthetic.
Despite the complexities of the major loft development, our design team successfully implemented a 12-mist-head system. It met the Building Control Officers' (BCO) requirements and aesthetically pleased the client. The pump system, discreetly fitted in a cupboard on the second-floor landing, connected directly to the mains water supply, eliminating the need for a separate water tank. The project spanned seven months from the first to the second fix.
The client was highly impressed with our installation team's expertise and adaptability, especially in coordinating with other aspects of the development. Our involvement ensured that the project was fully compliant with BCO guidelines, contributing to the successful completion of this extensive home development.
SmartMist was tasked with retrofitting a sprinkler system into a newly constructed apartment block in Bristol following late-stage requirements from building control. This intervention was necessary to provide a compliant means of escape and to ensure the building met the updated fire safety regulations, specifically BS 9991.
The building had an adequate mains water supply providing 35 LPM, but building control required a sprinkler system to ensure a compliant means of escape.
This necessitated the retrofitting of a sprinkler system into the building's existing structure with minimal disruption to other ongoing works. In addition, the installation had to be completed rapidly, as building control's requirement was introduced late in the project, leaving limited time for adjustments.
SmartMist installed a full sprinkler system that met BS 9251:2021 requirements. The system included sprinkler heads in all communal areas, such as hallways and stairwells, ensuring safe evacuation routes in case of fire.
Although the mains water supply was adequate, a 1,000-litre water storage tank was added to the plant room in the basement to provide sufficient water pressure and flow during simultaneous sprinkler activation.
This tank ensured the system could perform at full capacity in case of an emergency.
The client was extremely pleased with how SmartMist managed the project, especially given the tight timeline and the late-stage intervention required by building control.
The rapid retrofit of the sprinkler system was completed with minimal disruption, and the system passed all necessary compliance tests.
The client expressed confidence in the safety enhancements made to the building and appreciated the seamless integration of the system into the existing infrastructure.
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