Fire Sprinkler System Myths Debunked

Fire Sprinkler Myths Busted: What Chicagoland Business Owners Need to Know

Fire sprinkler systems are one of the most effective tools for saving lives and protecting property during a commercial fire. Yet many Chicago-area business owners still believe outdated myths about how sprinklers work and whether they're worth the investment.

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we’ve seen the aftermath of fires that could have been contained if sprinklers had been installed. That’s why we’re clearing the air. Below, we’ll bust some of the most persistent myths about commercial fire sprinkler systems—and explain why understanding the truth could help save your property, your employees, and your business.

Myth #1: Sprinkler Water Damage Costs More Than Fire Damage

Reality: Fire sprinklers use significantly less water than fire hoses.

A sprinkler head typically discharges between 8 and 24 gallons per minute. In contrast, fire department hoses release 50 to 125 gallons per minute. Because sprinklers often activate early in a fire, they can suppress flames before they spread, reducing both water and fire damage.

Fires controlled by sprinklers usually stay contained to a single room or area, making cleanup faster, less costly, and far less disruptive to business operations. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons often restores these contained areas in a matter of days, rather than weeks.

Myth #2: All Sprinkler Heads Go Off at Once

Reality: Only the sprinkler heads closest to the fire will activate.

Thanks to heat-sensitive components—typically a glass bulb or metal alloy—a sprinkler head only opens when it detects temperatures above 155°F (68°C). That means only the head directly above the fire activates.

Hollywood has done a disservice here. In real life, the entire building won’t be drenched just because of smoke or a minor flame. Most commercial fires trigger just 1-2 heads, saving your business from unnecessary water exposure.

Myth #3: Fire Sprinklers Are Too Sensitive

Reality: Fire sprinklers won’t activate from burnt toast, cigarettes, or humidity.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) notes that only 1 in 16 million sprinkler heads activate accidentally. Most of the time, accidental activation is caused by mechanical damage or improper maintenance, not sensitivity to smoke or heat.

Sprinklers respond to high, sustained temperatures near open flames. That’s it. Your microwave mishap isn’t going to flood your breakroom.

Myth #4: Smoke Alarms Trigger Fire Sprinklers

Reality: Sprinklers and smoke detectors operate independently.

Smoke alarms detect smoke particles, while sprinklers respond only to heat. One does not activate the other. In fact, many commercial buildings use interconnected alarm and suppression systems, but that’s a programmed setup, not a default.

You need both devices for maximum safety: alarms to warn occupants and sprinklers to suppress the fire before firefighters arrive.

The Stats Don't Lie: Why Fire Sprinklers Matter

According to the NFPA:

• The risk of dying in a fire is reduced by 80% when sprinklers are present
• Property damage is reduced by 50% to 66% when sprinklers are used
• In most cases, only 1 or 2 sprinkler heads are needed to control a fire

Commercial sprinkler systems save lives and protect assets. Period.

When a Fire Strikes, Trust the Experts in Cleanup

Even with a sprinkler system, commercial fires can cause smoke and water damage. That’s where we come in.

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, our IICRC-certified fire restoration team provides:

• Emergency water extraction
• Smoke and soot removal
• Odor neutralization
• Content cleaning and pack-out services
• Structural drying and repairs

We respond 24/7 to fire emergencies across Chicago, the North Shore, Oak Park, River Forest, Skokie, and surrounding suburbs.

Whether your building has a partial fire loss or a major incident, we restore it to pre-loss condition quickly and safely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Sprinklers in Chicagoland

Q: Will my entire building get soaked if one sprinkler head activates?
A: No. Only the sprinkler head directly exposed to high heat will activate.

Q: Can a smoke detector accidentally trigger my sprinklers?
A: No. Smoke detectors and sprinkler systems operate separately.

Q: How reliable are fire sprinklers?
A: Extremely. The odds of accidental activation are about 1 in 16 million.

Q: Do sprinklers activate too easily?
A: No. They only activate at temperatures above 155°F, not from burnt toast or steam.

Q: What do I do after a fire if my sprinklers went off?
A: Shut off the system (if safe), call a licensed restoration company like ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, and document everything for your insurance claim.

Our Services

We provide expert restoration and cleaning services across the Chicagoland area:

Residential Services

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Specialty Cleaning Services

Commercial Services

• Commercial Water Damage Cleanup
• Commercial Fire Restoration
• Commercial Mold Removal
• Reconstruction & Build-Back Services

Areas We Serve

We proudly serve commercial and residential clients in:

• City of Chicago: Loop, Lincoln Park, River North, West Loop, Hyde Park, South Shore
• North Shore: Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Winnetka, Highland Park, Glencoe, Lake Forest
• Western/Northwest Suburbs: Oak Park, River Forest, Elmwood Park, Northbrook, Glenview, Deerfield

Featured Resource

RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset
Written by IICRC Master Restorer Sam Simon, this essential book teaches homeowners how to prevent and recover from disasters like water, fire, and mold damage.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a multi-award-winning disaster restoration firm with over 40 years of trusted service in Chicagoland. We are an IICRC-certified firm and proud members of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA).

Founded by Sam Simon, an IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer and co-author of RESTORE, and Nasutsa Mabwa, a nationally recognized business leader, our team has been recognized with:

• The BBB Torch Award for Ethics
• The Stevie® Award for Business Excellence
• Skokie Business of the Year – Honorable Mention

We serve homes, businesses, schools, houses of worship, and commercial facilities across Northern Illinois.

Call 773-376-1110 or Contact Us Online
Let us restore your peace of mind.