How Do You Survey Existing Sprinkler Systems?

2/28/2019

For projects where you have to survey and/or trace existing sprinkler systems for modifications, what tools/methods do you use? Just a 25' measuring tape and a ladder? Point and shoot laser? Laser scans?

I generally measure locations of sprinklers and pipe off of walls or structure using a point-and-shoot laser measure and a laser plumb bob so I know I'm right beneath my measurement point. That being said I'm very interested in learning about how other people do takeoffs.

Posted anonymously by a member for discussion. Discuss this | Submit a Question | Subscribe

3 Comments

Wayne Ammons

2/28/2019 08:33:57 am

A similar question was posted on 12/5/18, you might checkout those responses as well.

Honestly, it all depends on the scope of the project for me, whether it requires a detailed layout of the existing sprinkler system for a lot of modifications, just a portion of the sprinkler system for an isolated modification, or if I just need to trace down the hydraulically remote area for a hydraulic analysis. It also depends on the type of building (don't use an ink pen if you're surveying inside a freezer for great lengths of time).

Survey techniques for existing work can be much different than if surveying for new construction. I typically use a 25 ft. Fat Max tape measure (helps with taking greater measurements if surveying alone), a distance laser, and a plumb bob laser. Ladders and even scissor lifts are sometimes necessary. Try to pull measurements off of primary structural components or walls.

I make sure I develop a strategy before I go and bring drawings that I think will benefit me most. That might be a floor plan that shows existing walls to be demolished (as long as they haven't been demolished yet), a floor plan that shows only columns or structure, or a blank floor plan/blank paper if I have no information to begin with. If the conditions allow for it, I may take my laptop and draw as I go.

Pictures, take a lot of pictures if the facility will allow. Mark on your plan where you take the pictures or take them systematically so you know where you are looking if you need to refer to them in the future.

A lot could be written on this subject...

Hemant Rajput

5/19/2020 01:09:37 pm

I live in a gated community of 11 detached condominiums, near a lake. We all have sprinkler systems using city water. We would like to get a survey done for these systems and do the feasibility study to use the lake water for these sprinklers.
If you are interested, please respond.
Thanks and stay safe.

Kevin Clay

2/28/2019 11:23:15 am

When exact locations aren't necessary, I use drop ceiling grids to estimate locations. Best helpful with 2x2 grid.

Free Signup

Subscribe and learn something new each day:

Community

Thank You to Our Top
June 2020 Contributors!

1. Mike
2. Jonathan
3. Jesse
4. Dan W.
5. Mike L

6. Patrick
7. Casey M.
8. Shane
9. Thomas
10. Mike M

Your Post

SUBMIT A QUESTION

The Toolkit

Sprinkler Designer or Engineer?

Get all of our tools, including the Sprinkler Database, Friction Loss Calculator, Fire Pump Analyzer and more:

FREE 30-DAY TRIAL

GET THE TOOLKIT

Filters

Exam Prep

2020 PE Prep Guide
(Available Now!)

PE Prep Series
(Available Now!)

2020 PE Prep Series
Current Leaderboard
(Click to enlarge)

PE Problems

Visit July-October for daily Fire Protection PE Exam sample questions.

Solutions are posted the day after posting.

Comment with your solutions, questions or clarifications.

Please note that questions posted are unofficial and in accordance with NCEES rules are intended to be similar to actual exam questions, not actual exam questions themselves.

RSS Feed

Home - About - Blog - Contact - Exam Prep - Store

Copyright © 2020 MeyerFire, LLC
The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author shown and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a commission for orders placed elsewhere.