Semi rural living - Fire safety & water provision best practices

[coldsteelva]

Meter Fee for Home Fire Sprinkler... making it over a $1000 annually.

Does this home have a non-standard, upgraded, larger diameter, higher pressure meter to properly supply this home sprinkler system? If not, then why in the world should it cost an extra $1000 for something that hopefully NEVER actually flows water?

 

[aczlan]

Does this home have a non-standard, upgraded, larger diameter, higher pressure meter to properly supply this home sprinkler system? If not, then why in the world should it cost an extra $1000 for something that hopefully NEVER actually flows water?

Because they can...
Actually, from what I understand they don't use a meter on the line for a home sprinkler.

Aaron Z

 

[Diggin It]

That's something that should be 'no charge' if not used.

 

[4570Man]

That’s not how it works. Why don’t you go ask your insurance agent if you can only pay his premium of you have a claim.

 

[ultrarunner]

It is the ongoing cost of the 1.5 inch meter compared to the standard 3/4 inch meter.

Also, installation or hook up fee is much more expensive from the get go for larger meters.

The larger meter is mandated due to the sprinkler system.

The is my first experience with residential fire sprinklers...

It does have me wonder what would happen in a hard freeze as sprinklers are placed outside and exposed to the elements... mine included.

 

[coldsteelva]

It is the ongoing cost of the 1.5 inch meter compared to the standard 3/4 inch meter.

Also, installation or hook up fee is much more expensive from the get go for larger meters.

The larger meter is mandated due to the sprinkler system.

The is my first experience with residential fire sprinklers...

It does have me wonder what would happen in a hard freeze as sprinklers are placed outside and exposed to the elements... mine included.

This was the answer to my question - it is a larger diameter meter and therefore, they can charge whatever they wish.

 

[ericm979]

We got a discount on homeowner's insurance because of the roof sprinklers. If your insurer does that it may at least partially offset the added cost of the big city water meter.

We've not had a problem with the sprinker pipes freezing. Our pipes are inside the roof, the only part outside is a ~9" standpipe and the sprinklers themselves.

We have to have a 4" line from the water tank but that's for the required hydrant.

 

[ultrarunner]

This was the answer to my question - it is a larger diameter meter and therefore, they can charge whatever they wish.

I'm looking at going to well water... there are several homes on well water... city sewer but 100% well water.

Water Company said there is no option to reduce meter size... water pressure to the entire area is 170 psi... as we are in a valley area and water pressure needs to be high enough to serve properties at much higher elevations.

I'm the only home in my area with a home fire sprinkler system... my home is 25 years old and all the others are 50 to 60 years old...

It could all be a mute point as I nearly fell off my chair opening this evening's mail...

The county tax assessor has chosen to disregard my purchase price and has sent official notification 46% higher than what I paid last September... so much for low California Property taxes.

The estate lawyer hired an appraiser to value the property and this was the basis of accepting my offer...

Maybe the Assessor likes it that my home is the most fire safe design as it is the only one that is sprinklered with a clay tile roof and boxed in soffits?

 

[Industrial Toys]

I'm in the security business. Often the insurance discounts are just a scam. You get it for the asking, whether monitored security, fire extinguishers, or whatever. But only once!

We have a small pond some hundred yards uphill of the house. I always thought of making a reflective sign for the rural volunteer fire department to know there is water just up yonder.