How Much Does a Home Fire Sprinkler System Cost in 2025?
Typical Range:
$259 - $1,358
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 192 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data
How We Get This Data
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- Homeowners use HomeAdvisor to find pros for home projects.
- When their projects are done, they fill out a short cost survey.
- We compile the data and report costs back to you.
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Updated December 17, 2024
Written by HomeAdvisor.Highlights
The cost to install a home fire sprinkler system ranges between $259 and $1,358, with most paying an average of $797.
Prices vary depending on your home size, the system design, and local labor fees.
Most contractors charge based on square footage, with labor costs from $1 to $7 per square foot.
Many homeowners purchase additional fire protection features, including extinguishers, blankets, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and heat sensors.
Several pipe options are available, with metallic the most expensive at $3 to $4 per square foot.
Installing a residential fire sprinkler system ranges between $259 and $1,358, with the average homeowner spending $797. Costs vary based on your home’s square footage, whether it's a new or existing structure, and additional features your pro might recommend. Smaller, simpler systems can cost as little as $100, while higher-end systems with several detectors and alarms can reach $3,000.
Home Fire Sprinkler System Cost Calculator
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| National Average | $797 |
| Typical Range | $259 - $1,358 |
| Low End - High End | $105 - $4,210 |
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 192 HomeAdvisor members.
Compare Quotes for Your Home Fire Sprinkler System Installation
Home Fire Sprinkler System Cost Factors
The size of your home and the type of system you install are your most significant cost factors, along with the pipe material, labor fees, and add-ons.
Home Size
The size of your home significantly impacts the cost of a sprinkler system. Larger homes require more piping and sprinkler heads, increasing the cost of materials. The installer also requires more time to set up the system, increasing labor fees.
Pipe Material
Nonmetallic pipe systems—like ones made of CPVC or PEX pipe—cost between $1 and $2 per square foot of covered area. Systems that use metallic pipes, such as copper, cost around $3 to $4 per square foot of covered area for installation. You can also get a mix of nonmetallic and metallic piping in your fire sprinkler system for about $1 to $2 per covered square foot.
| Material | Cost Per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| CPVC or PEX | $1–$2 |
| Copper | $3–$4 |
| Mix | $1–$2 |
System Design
If you are connected to a municipal water supply, you may have to install a backflow preventer with your system. The cost to install a backflow preventer is around $300. A booster pump may be necessary in homes with well or private access to water. The average pressure booster cost is around $800.
Water Storage
Water storage tanks store water and supply it to fire protection systems. They’re usually used when water isn’t readily available or an adequate water supply doesn’t exist.
Backflow Preventers
Homeowners usually install backflow preventers when a public water supply is available. However, this water supply is vulnerable to contamination from fertilizers and other groundwater pollutants. Therefore, they create a safe water supply for home fire prevention systems.
Lifetime Costs
While a fire system is an investment, it often comes with reduced insurance premiums. When considering your budget, contact your insurance company to discuss your potential savings and factor that into your calculations.
System Type
There are two main types of fire sprinkler systems: standalone and multipurpose. Standalone systems are often more costly as they feature a dedicated network of pipes solely designed for fire protection. Multipurpose systems use your home’s existing water supply and are more budget-friendly.
Standalone Fire Sprinkler Systems
Standalone fire sprinkler systems are your most expensive option at $4 to $7 per square foot covered. They require a dedicated set of pipes that connect to the primary water source.
Multipurpose Fire Sprinkler Systems
A multipurpose fire sprinkler system averages $2 to $6 per covered square foot. Multipurpose systems share the existing household plumbing and do not require a professional to install dedicated piping, making them a more affordable choice.
New Construction vs. Retrofitting
Installing a fire sprinkler system in a new home costs $0.50 to $3 per covered square foot. It’s more affordable to install a system during the build phase because it doesn’t require retrofitting, and contractors can plan the system alongside other building projects.
Adding a fire sprinkler system to an existing home is more expensive, costing between $2 and $7 per square foot. The elevated prices are due to the additional demolition and reconstruction work that’s often required.
| Type of Home | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| New home | $0.50–$3 |
| Existing home | $2–$7 |
| High-rise | $4 |
Labor
Labor rates vary depending on your location and the type of system you choose. Most local fire sprinkler system companies charge based on your home size, ranging from $1 to $2 per square foot for labor alone. For complex systems, you may see labor rates as high as $4 to $7 per square foot.
Additional Home Fire Protection Costs
In addition to a residential fire sprinkler system, you can take other measures to protect your home from fires or prepare yourself if a fire breaks out.
| Protection Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Fire extinguisher | $100–$500 |
| Fire blanket | $10–$100 |
| Smoke detectors | $10–$65 |
| Heat sensors | $60–$100 |
| Carbon monoxide detectors | $15–$150 |
Fire Extinguishers
New fire extinguishers cost $100 to $500 upfront and another $30 to $100 to inspect and maintain annually. Adding an extinguisher to your home’s sprinkler system adds necessary fire protection.
Fire Blankets
A highly resistant fire blanket costs $10 to $100. Most nonflammable blankets withstand temperatures of up to 900 degrees and can even extinguish small fires. Unlike a smoke detector or extinguisher, they typically last seven years and won’t need any upkeep.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors reduce the chances of fatal fire accidents by alerting you when a house fire is detected. The cost to install a smoke detector typically ranges from $10 to $65. They need to be replaced every 10 years, and the batteries need to be replaced every three months, which costs $5 to $10.
Heat Sensors
Heat sensors detect smoke and sudden temperature spikes. Installation costs range from $60 to $100 per sensor. If you add a heat sensor to your home’s fire alarm systems, you may also have to pay for a monthly monitoring service.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Carbon monoxide detectors alert household members when an unsafe amount of CO—a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas—is present in the home. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm ranges from $15 to $150. You’ll need to replace your monitor every five to seven years.
Does Installing a Home Fire Sprinkler System Increase Home Value?
Installing a home fire sprinkler system often will not directly increase your home's value but can make it more attractive to prospective buyers. Buyers are more likely to purchase a home with fire sprinklers, especially in areas with a high fire risk. There are also insurance benefits to installing a fire sprinkler system, with some companies offering discounts between 5% and 30%.
Budgeting for a Home Fire Sprinkler System
While installation costs vary significantly, fire sprinkler systems are an important investment in your home’s safety and protection. To keep the project as budget-friendly as possible, consider the following tips:
Compare quotes from at least three local contractors to find the most competitive offer.
Opt for budget-friendly piping materials like CPVC or PEX.
Check with your insurance provider for incentives for sprinkler system installation.
Install a multipurpose system rather than a standalone design to save on materials and labor.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Still Have Questions About Home Fire Sprinkler Systems?
FAQs
How do home fire sprinkler systems work?
Fire sprinkler systems activate when the air temperature spikes to dangerous levels. When a fire causes a spike in air temperature, glycerin expands, causing a glass bulb to break and set off the sprinklers. Pressurized water then flows from the sprinklers to slow or stop the flames.
Can fire sprinklers cause water damage?
Yes—any time water comes in contact with your furniture or home structure, there is the potential for damage. However, any water damage a fire sprinkler causes would be significantly less than the damage a fire would cause to your home. Fire and smoke remediation costs are often quite high, with average prices ranging from $3,100 to $51,500.
What size fire blanket do I need?
The blanket size you need depends on what you’re looking to protect. Smaller blankets measure about 3-by-3 feet, medium blankets are about 6-by-6 feet, and larger blankets are 10-by-10 feet. You’ll often feel safer with a bigger blanket, particularly if you’re putting out a fire on a person or trying to cover a larger area.
Where should smoke and carbon monoxide detectors be placed?
Install at least one smoke and carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home, as well as in the garage and basement. It’s common to install smoke detectors in the kitchen as it’s a common place for fires to start. However, you’ll want to install them 10 feet away from appliances to avoid unnecessary alarms.
What are the benefits of installing a sprinkler system?
Sprinkler systems protect your home, belongings, and family members by quickly combatting flames before they spread. Homes with fire sprinklers experience 87% fewer deaths, 27% fewer injuries, and 70% less property damage. Additionally, homeowners with fire sprinklers save up to 8% on their homeowner’s insurance.
