The Sprinkler That Was Never Actually Connected 😬

Welcome Back!

We hope you had a relaxing Labor Day! As fall approaches, our schedule is filling up quickly. Thank you for trusting Pittsburgh Winsupply to be part of your projects. Let’s kick off the season with a quick look at what’s been happening across the field — from an industry story that boggled our minds to code updates you should know.

😬 The Mystery of the Dry Pipe

When “Installed” Doesn’t Mean “Connected”

You know that moment on a job site when something just doesn’t seem right?

During a routine 5-year inspection, a Firetrol team spotted a pipe on a wet system that looked suspiciously… pristine. No scale. No corrosion. No signs of ever having held water.

Turns out, it hadn’t.

Yep — the mechanical tee was installed but never tapped, leaving the entire lower-level office area without protection for five years.

Fortunately, no fires broke out during that time, and the issue has since been corrected. However, this little oversight is a big reminder:

“No amount of profit is worth anyone losing their life or a building.” – Mike Watts Jr., Sprinkler Service Manager at Firetrol Protection Systems, Inc.

So as the workload ramps up:

✔️ Double-check the details
✔️ Drill the hole (we can fab it for you)
✔️ Don’t just make it look right — make it right

Often in fire sprinklers, the difference between a system that works and one that doesn’t can be a single hole. In this case, it was a hole that needed to be there.

🔗 Read the post on LinkedIn »

🎓 New Education & Training Opportunities

🏢 Free Building Owner Course (BAFSA)
The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association released a free online course for property owners and occupiers. It covers sprinkler basics, system testing, pump ops, shutdowns, and more — with a short exam to earn CPD certification. Great for anyone responsible for building safety. (internationalfireandsafetyjournal.com)

🏫 School Sprinkler Webinar – Sept 24
American School & University is hosting a free webinar comparing CPVC vs steel sprinkler systems for educational facilities. Learn about fire risks, install pros/cons, and maintenance tips. CPVC is gaining popularity for its lighter weight, corrosion resistance, and cost savings. Worth tuning in if you design or retrofit (schools.internationalfireandsafetyjournal.com)

👷 NFSA Masterclass Recap
Back in July, NFSA ran a hands-on masterclass in estimating, project management and leadership. A major takeaway? Leadership isn’t just about quoting jobs — it’s about leading people, building trust, and doing it right the first time. (nfsa.org)

🏛️ Code & Policy Shifts to Watch

3–4 Unit Dwellings May Shift to IRC
States like Utah, Alaska, North Carolina, and Rhode Island are exploring code changes that let triplexes and quadplexes be built under IRC instead of IBC — raising big questions about fire protection standards. Cities like Memphis and Dallas are already tweaking sprinkler rules based on building size and unit count. (nfsa.org)

Can AHJs Require More Than NFPA 25?
Short answer: not unless there’s a local amendment or a specific reason (hazard, manufacturer, alternative method). NFPA 25 is still the baseline. Don’t overstep your scope — and if someone asks you to, get it in writing. (nfsa.org)

🏗️ Warehouse Sprinkler Tips

🔥 High-Piled Storage Isn’t Just Combustibles
NFSA recently reminded us: anything stored over 12 ft — even non-combustibles — might trigger additional sprinkler requirements. It’s not just what you store, it’s how and where. Packaging, pallets, and layout all affect your commodity classification, which drives your system design. (nfsa.org)

💰 Incentives & Awareness

💸 Tax Credit for Sprinklers (Montgomery County, MD)
Homeowners can get a property tax credit covering up to 50% of their annual tax or system cost if they voluntarily install sprinklers. That’s real savings — plus insurance discounts. (nfsa.org)

🎓 Campus Fire Safety Month (Michigan)
September is historically bad for dorm fires. Michigan’s governor declared it Campus Fire Safety Month to raise aware

ness and encourage sprinkler systems, alarms, and education for students, landlords, and universities. (michigan.gov)

📞 Partner With Us

As things get busier, we’re here to help your projects run smoothly. For faster quoting, include full details like:

• Pipe schedule

• Lengths & materials

• End prep info

Need an estimate? Reach out — we’re always happy to support you from start to finish.

Thanks for reading the September edition of Pittsburgh Winsupply News. We’ll be back next month with more stories, updates and field-tested wisdom.

Until then:
Stay safe. Stay sharp. And drill the hole.

Cheers,
The Team at Pittsburgh Winsupply