Sprinkler Tank

Will A Sprinkler Tank Reduce Insurance Premiums?

Will A Sprinkler Tank Reduce Insurance Premiums?

Installing and maintaining a sprinkler tank has far more benefits than simply reducing fire risks in commercial and municipal buildings. Leading insurers can offer premium reductions of up to 50 per cent to those with effective sprinklers. The average premium is reduced by between 10 to 15 per cent. In recent years, these savings have been a key driver in the growth in sprinkler system installation.

In the UK, where most buildings are still not required by law to have sprinklers, the onus has been put on building owners to make the right call. While some systems, particularly in multi-storey social housing, have been retrofitted, many have been included in architectural plans for new buildings. Experts say including sprinklers and separate water storage saves more money and also offers up additional flexibility with building design.

Insurers have been quick to point out that misconceptions about how sprinkler systems work have, in the past, been a stumbling block. Together with fire and rescue services, they have championed the fact that sprinkler heads work individually – not all at once. This fact drives home the message that sprinkler systems reduce not just fire but water damage too.

 

Who can benefit from insurance premium reductions?

While any building that benefits from modern fire safety equipment can expect to lower premiums, those with high-quality sprinkler systems with a sprinkler tank stand to gain the most. However, such systems will need to meet criteria set out by insurance companies and, to remain valid, must be properly maintained. This has implications for those in a wide range of sectors. Installing a system is not the end of the matter. Protocols should be put in place to manage the maintenance of systems.

Specialist insurers are currently targeting new build schools, among others. They are advocating the inclusion of sprinklers at the earliest stage of planning. As well as pointing out the obvious safety benefits, they are explaining how sprinklers minimise disruption and significantly reduce material losses. In the case of an education establishment, this can mean the retention of equipment and coursework.

Whatever the use of a building, its fire safety features must be properly represented in insurance details. To benefit from maximum premium reductions, the insured should:

  • Demonstrate it has installed a quality sprinkler system. A survey report may be required for this
  • Clearly show how the system is being maintained and by whom

How a sprinkler tank manages spiralling insurance costs

Insuring a commercial building can cost a small fortune these days – particularly if it is vulnerable because of a lack of safety features. So, in the long run, sprinklers with their own water supply in the form of a sprinkler tank storage unit will pay for themselves. The stumbling block is often the initial outlay – and convincing building owners to invest in robust maintenance and repair solutions.

Many don’t realise that a single investment in a dedicated water supply can last for decades. Even after corrosion has set in or weaknesses start to emerge in the structure, remedial work can often be carried out. Not only is sprinkler tank refurbishment cost-effective, it significantly extends the life of a tank.

A sprinkler tank will ensure that water is always in system pipes. Insurers like this. It means wet systems never run the risk of being dry when an emergency occurs. The tank also tackles the issue of water pressure to ensure sprinklers can be effectively operated at any level in a building. While some sprinkler systems run off mains, they require additional equipment to guarantee they can properly serve an entire building.

You should consider installing a high-quality sprinkler system to reduce costs if:

  • Your building is vulnerable to fire
  • Your property is in public ownership
  • You cannot afford any disruption
  • A building stores high value equipment or goods
  • You want to provide trusted life-saving equipment that will support robust evacuation plans

It is worth noting that the most common small fires are often extinguished by a single sprinkler head. So, in terms of containment, a decent sprinkler system and water storage tank should make good sense to a building manager. If a fire is contained almost immediately, a building will only be out of use for a very short period of time – while the necessary safety checks are made.

 

Finding out more information

If you want to benefit from reduced insurance premiums, shop around for the best sprinkler tank installation and maintenance quotes. It should be remembered that worn components and lack of maintenance are among the leading causes of sprinkler system failures. Look for specialists who will first offer a free site survey. Ask how often they recommend independent inspections and check that they use technology designed to be used under water.

Keeping a lid on insurance costs and reducing the risks of fire damage should be part of your business strategy. Failing to take advantage of sprinklers will only add to your annual outlay and increase the chances of significant damage and / or injury in the event of a fire.

If you already have a sprinkler tank and have not had it inspected by an independent expert for some time, don’t wait. And never let an unqualified or incompetent person tamper with or attempt to carry out repairs. A recognised proportion of system failures are caused by manual intervention.

A specialist will accurately calculate the capacity of the tank required, taking into account the specifics of your site.

A one-off outlay today could save you money for many years. Not only that, investment in a modern sprinkler system with its own water storage capability will significantly enhance your fire safety. Prevention is always better than the cure, as they say – and there has never been a better time to improve your building’s safety features.

Tired of paying too much for building insurance? Know that your fire protection equipment could do with updating? What are you waiting for?
For further information about the benefits of sprinkler tanks, contact us or browse the many informative features on our accessible website.