Slope Requirements for Fire Sprinkler Pipe

8/10/2016

Pipe slope is a critical element in reducing water collection following a sprinkler system drain. Water removal is important in that the largest detriment to sprinkler system life, corrosion, occurs across interfaces between air and water. Here is a quick summary of the minimum pipe slope requirements for fire sprinkler systems.

	Non-Refrigerated	Refrigerated
Wet Systems	Branch & Main Pipe: Level (NFPA 13 2002 8.15.2.2.1, 2007/2010/2013/2016 8.16.2.2.1)	N/A
Dry Systems	Mains: 1/4 inch per 10 feet Branches: 1/2 inch per 10 feet (NFPA 13 2002 8.15.2.3.1, 2007/2010/2013/2016 8.16.2.3.1)	Branches & Mains: 1/2 inch per 10 feet (NFPA 13 2002 8.15.2.3.4, 2007/2010/2013/2016 8.16.2.3.3)
Pre-Action Systems	Mains: 1/4 inch per 10 feet Branches: 1/2 inch per 10 feet (NFPA 13 2002 Edition does not require slope for pre-action systems in non-freezing areas per 8.15.2.3.3, 2007/2010/2013/2016 does require slope per 8.16.2.3.2)	Branches & Mains: 1/2 inch per 10 feet (NFPA 13 2002 8.15.2.3.4, 2007/2010/2013/2016 8.16.2.3.3)

dude

1/17/2019 08:41:32 am

Are there pitch requirements for drainage piping on wet systems?

FireMarshalRob

10/9/2019 09:55:08 am

There should be, but no. I have done this for a long time and in my opinion, any fire sprinkler contractor that installs pipe without some little pitch to low points has no clue about good "plumbing practices" Leaving standing water in any plumbing system is just bad practice.

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Slope Requirements for Fire Sprinkler Pipe

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