Hi,

My property has a sprinkler system installed and the system is connected to the toilet in the en-suite

I have had no end of issues with this, as when the toilet is flushed it will quite regularly trip the system and stops the toilet from flushing.

I have also been finding it extremely difficult to find a sprinkler engineer to fix the issue

I am now thinking of having the toilet disconnected from the sprinkler system and having it connected to the sink.

A sprinkler engineer that I did find was going to sort this out for me but he his now not returning my calls, so I have given up hope with him.

My question now is, would a general plumber be able to do this ?

The sprinkler engineer did originally say that the sprinkler system would need to be drained and isolate the pump and tank and that the domestic and sprinkler feeds would need draining. I'm not sure if a plumber would know about the sprinkler feeds ?

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

 

Irrigation systems typically require a high volume of water. So much that the size of the zones are determined by how much water you can provide. Usually an irrigation system is tied into the water main somewhere after the meter or if you have a well it would be tied into the main line from the well. They are "never" tied into the lines feeding an individual fixture like a toilet or sink. This insures that the irrigation system has a good supply without being subject to drops in pressure from things like flushing toilets.

 

I think a plumber would be a good next step. You likely need a separate pipe from your main to the ensuite, and a separate one for your sprinkler system. As Pilot Dane mentioned, sprinkler systems use a LOT of water and are sized based on the incoming water pressure and volume. I'm not surprised you're having difficulties with the way it seems that it's set up.

 

Just to clarify, are you talking about an irrigation sprinkler system or a residential fire sprinkler system?

 

Thanks for the replies.... to clarify I am talking about a residential fire sprinkler system.

Apologies for any confusion

 

NOTE: the OP is located in the UK, if that makes a difference.

There are code issues in the US with residential fire suppression systems being independent, so unless we make a lucky guess, you should seek the help of a trained sprinkler system person AND a plumber.

 

Got it, didn't even think of a fire suppression sprinkler system. Totally out of my breadth of knowledge.

BUT - I do find it odd for a sprinkler system to be interconnected with the plumbing system.

Good luck

 

Most wet sprinkler systems rely on fire melting a link on a sprinkler head. Only the head(s) where the actually fire is should activate. There should be nothing to trip unless you have some type of dry charged system.

The systems in use here are directly tied to the home's water service. Usually it's attached right after the meter. For the most part.... nothing happens. Water use won't trip the heads.

Added fire to the original title.