Residential Sprinklers Inspections

Learn how to request and prepare for an inspection with the Township of Langley Fire Department.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA13R) and Township of Langley's Modified 13D Requirements

Under the standard set in , NFPA13D, sprinklers are required in all areas, unless an exception is permitted by 8.3.2 through 8.3.7.

Sprinkler heads can be omitted in:

  • Bathrooms or other small rooms under 55sqft or 5.1sqm.
  • Clothes or linen closets under 24sqft or 2.2 sqm that are surfaced with a non-combustible or limited combustible material.
  • Garages or open attached porches, balconies and carports.
  • Attics, unless fuel fired equipment is installed there and it is located below an occupied area of a dwelling unit.
  • Unheated enclosures at the entrance or exit of a building if the occupants have a second exit.
  • Ceiling pockets that meet the requirements outlined in 8.3.7.
  • Closets, garages, or exterior closets regardless of size provided there are no unprotected penetrations directly into the dwelling unit.

In the Township of Langley, NFPA13D systems are required to have:

  • A flow switch connected to the unit’s smoke alarms.
  • A strobe tied into the flow switch located at the FD response point.  
  • Flow through tie in, at highest demand area–typically an ensuite toilet on the upper floor level.
  • All rooms with laundry or mechanical equipment require protection regardless of size.

Before requesting an inspection

Make sure the following items are completed before you schedule your inspection.

Please note: All scheduled inspections that are not in compliance may be subject to a reinspection fee.

Sprinkler closet

  • Sprinkler system shut off and drain valve are to be unobstructed.
  • Piping and fixtures must be secure.
  • Instructions to occupants posted and laminated.
  • Lock and chain on Main Valve with key in the lock.
  • Permanent labelling on valves (plastic or metal – no paper)
    • Test Drain
    • Main Valve – Keep Open
  • Gauges are UL listed, clean, unobstructed and lens cap secured.
  • Smoke alarm and strobe light activation within 30 seconds of water flow.

Inside the home

  • Sprinkler head guards installed where necessary. Guards must be installed for heads under 6’6” or in areas at high risk of accidental damage.
  • Escutcheon rings must be in place
  • High temp heads required in all laundry and mechanical rooms.
  • Sprinkler heads are free of paint (including overspray) 
  • Shipping caps and paint cups are removed from sprinkler heads 
  • All smoke alarms must have dust caps and tabs for activation removed.

Request an inspection

Inspection requests are based on inspector availability and there are a limited number of inspections spots available per day. When requesting your inspections, please note we are unable to guarantee next day inspections.

A fire inspector will reach out to confirm your inspection within 24 hours of your request. Fire inspectors will make every effort to attend your site as scheduled. However, in the event of a delay, the inspection will be rescheduled for the following business day.

Please complete a request for each building permit if booking multiple buildings.

Submit your request