FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe

In every issue you'll find...

  • Expert insights on techniques and principles
  • Unbiased tool reviews
  • Step-by-step details to master the job
  • Field-tested advice and know-how
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
  • Join
  • Log In
Subscribe

California 2018

The 2018 FHB House is a net-zero energy, high-performance home in California’s Sierra Nevada foothills designed to meet the goals of the California 2020 initiative and comply with the most progressive energy code in the country. The project combines a very tight, well-insulated envelope, cutting-edge mechanical systems, and unique material choices, all wrapped up in a one-of-a-kind modern design.

Designing a Sprinkler System for a California Home

Plentiful well water allows for a simple fire-suppression system separate from the domestic water supply.

By David Good

The next major drainage system to our north is the Feather River, where the Camp Fire still burns tonight—the most devastating wildfire in California history. And President Trump blames our state forestry management. I think it has to do with climate change, and that is why we build the most efficient houses we can and avoid materials with a high global-warming potential. Coincidentally, in the new issue of Fine Homebuilding (#280), Glenn Mathewson writes about fire sprinklers.

Residential fire sprinklers exist mainly to protect the occupants if a house is burning. They are not going to save a building from a gobbling wildfire. We have had to install sprinklers in homes for the last seven years, and each system is a unique design. I am pleased with the simple system we have incorporated in the Goodhaus and have not seen one like it before. The evolution of sprinkler systems that Mathewson describes has led to stand-alone systems in which the domestic-water lines branch off of the main water supply downstream of the fire-sprinkler system. These systems consist of a storage tank and booster pump, which would be activated by a pressure switch if a sprinkler bulb were shattered by fire. Sometimes the design requires a fixture to be plumbed to the fire side so that the pump is exercised. Unlike the systems Mathewson writes about, we always have water from a well, and freeze protection is not a major concern.

Our system’s design is based on an overlooked section in the code and is separate from the domestic water in a sense. Our well system simply fills the storage tank with a float valve, and the booster pump ramps up the pressure. The pump is required to share a circuit with an appliance so that one would discern if it was deactive, and we have to have signage reminding us to cycle the pump monthly by opening a loop back to the tank for five minutes.

The simplicity is nice, and I do not mind the maintenance. In fact, in addition to the cycling loop, which is necessary for inspection, I will plumb a hose bib and really exercise the pump in the summer months irrigating. We have abundant well water and solar power, so we can operate this way guilt free, and it could protect us from having to use the system for its intended reason. Fingers crossed.

More about fire prevention

  • Getting on board with fire sprinklers
  • Building to Survive in Wildfire Country
  • Minnesota Builders Try to Block Sprinkler Law

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

California 2018 Videos

Navigate the Build

  • Introduction
  • Foundation
  • Framing
  • Windows and Doors
  • Insulation
  • Roof
  • Siding and Trim
  • Mechanicals
  • Interior Finishes
  • Kitchen and Baths
  • Completed Home

Behind the Build

  • Kansas 2022
  • Wisconsin 2021
  • Nebraska 2021
  • Connecticut 2020
  • Kentucky 2019
  • California 2018
  • Vermont 2017
  • Rhode Island 2016
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Email

View Comments

  1. dreichl | Nov 25, 2018 07:48pm | #1

    Great article, soon new building codes will require sprinkler systems in all new single family residences. As stated they are not to save the building but to safely get the people out. The problem lies in where you have no power to pump the water, as in the Camp fire which I believe was started by problems with the transmission lines. No power no water for the sprinkler systems unless you have a generator that is fireproof.

  2. Socal_homeowner949 | Dec 06, 2018 09:59pm | #2

    was this really the right place to get a dig in on the President...

  3. srapiron | Jan 17, 2019 07:28pm | #3

    Yes, it was an appropriate place to "get a dig in on the President", if the President's related comment was wrong. 1, the President was wrong, these fires weren't a forestry management issue. This fire was a mostly brush burning situation, Trump was putting out false news, again. Those homes weren't situated in forests.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

More California 2018

View All
  • A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance
  • Tour the California FHB House in Person
  • A Houseful of Cabinets and Built-ins
  • Preparing for Tile
View All

Fine Homebuilding House California 2018 Sponsors

  • Huber – Advantech Logo
  • Bridger Steel Logo
  • BuildDirect Logo
  • CabParts Logo
  • Dorken TruExterior Logo
  • Dryerbox Logo
  • DryerWallVent Logo
  • FLIR Logo
  • Lenox Logo
  • Maine Deck Bracket Logo
  • Mitsubishi Logo
  • Rockwool Logo
  • Schluter Logo
  • Simpson Strong Tie Logo
  • Stanley Logo
  • Titebond Logo
  • Weyerhaeuser Logo

Donating Sponsors

  • Beko Logo
  • Chief Architect Logo
  • Cor-A-Vent Logo
  • Duravit Logo
  • Ferguson Logo
  • Morso Logo
  • Patagonia Logo
  • StepStone Logo

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Insulating a Roof: Getting Higher R-Value

An expert weights in on how to boost performance without ruining the look.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • Insulation Project Guide
  • Podcast 531: Fixing Old Felt, Outsulation Penetrations, and Demolition by Neglect
  • Podcast 529: Cold Floors, Galvanic Corrosion, and Siding Over Board Sheathing
  • Fine Homebuilding – Feb/Mar 2023, Issue #313

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Video

View All
  • Introduction to the Sustainable Home Building Accelerator
  • Webinar: Getting to Net-Zero Energy
  • Remodeling to Achieve Passive House Standards
  • Energy-Smart HVAC
View All

Net-Zero

View All Net-Zero Articles
  • A person drawing plans on a tablet
    Why Pretty Good is Pretty Great
  • net-zero home design
    Sustainable Home in the Twin Cities
  • BS* + Beer show logo
    BS*+Beer Show: Pretty Good House
  • Framing and sheathing on a net-zero home
    Detailed Assemblies for an Airtight Small Home
View All Net-Zero Articles

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • Pretty Good House
    Buy Now
  • 2022 Fine Homebuilding Archive
    Buy Now
  • Code Check Building 4th Edition
    Buy Now
  • 2023 Tool Guide
    Buy Now
  • Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 313 - Feb/March 2023
    • Practical System for a Seismic Retrofit
    • Fine Homebuilding Issue #313 Online Highlights
    • Practical System for a Seismic Retrofit
  • Issue 312 - Dec 2022/Jan 2023
    • Tool Test: Cordless Tablesaws
    • Gray-Water System for a Sustainable Home
    • Insulate a Cape Roof to Avoid Ice Dams
  • Issue 311 - November 2022
    • 7 Steps to a Perfect Exterior Paint Job
    • Options for Smarter Home-Energy Tracking
    • The Fine Homebuilding Interview: James Metoyer
  • Issue 310 - October 2022
    • Choosing a Tile-Leveling System
    • Choosing Between HRVs and ERVs
    • Custom Built-in Cabinets Made Easy
  • Issue 309 - Aug/Sept 2022
    • 10 Steps to Install Crown Molding on Cabinets
    • How to Get Sturdy Walls Without OSB
    • Choosing the Right Construction Tape for the Job

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in