Sprinkler water storage plays a vital role in fire protection systems for apartment buildings and other multi-occupancy properties. These tanks ensure a dedicated and reliable water source for sprinklers, protecting lives and assets in the event of a fire.
In environments where space is limited and safety regulations are strict, the right storage system must balance compact design, compliance, and long-term reliability. Franklin Hodge’s range of fire protection tanks are engineered specifically for domestic and residential sprinkler applications, offering dependable performance in compact settings.
Why Fire Protection Tanks Are Essential for Multi-Occupancy Buildings
In apartment buildings, residential complexes, and care homes, fire risks are concentrated, and evacuation routes are often limited. A fire sprinkler system connected to mains supply alone can’t always provide the immediate, consistent flow needed to control a fire.
That’s why dedicated fire protection tanks are critical. They hold a guaranteed water reserve ready for instant activation when a sprinkler system detects heat or smoke.
These tanks act as a buffer when water pressure fluctuates or when mains supply is interrupted. By ensuring the system always has enough stored water to operate effectively, they help maintain safety and compliance across multi-occupancy buildings.
How Much Water Should a Fire Sprinkler Tank Hold?
The volume required for a sprinkler water storage tank depends on the building type, occupancy, and fire protection design. UK standards such as BS 9251:2014 outline the capacity requirements for domestic and residential systems.
In apartment buildings, tanks are typically sized to provide a defined duration of sprinkler operation, enough time to suppress or contain a fire until emergency services arrive.
Rather than focusing on technical calculations, it’s important for property owners to work with an experienced supplier who can assess building layout, height, and risk category. Franklin Hodge’s engineering team ensures every tank is appropriately specified to meet both safety standards and practical space constraints.
Choosing the Right Fire Sprinkler Tank for Your Building
Selecting the right sprinkler water tank involves balancing performance, compliance and available space. For residential and multi-occupancy properties, Franklin Hodge offers small-capacity tanks, both site-assembled designs ideal for restricted areas.
The Liquitainer® / Firetainer® is an LPCB-approved galvanised steel tank, built with a tailored internal liner and available in square or rectangular layouts. As a scaled-down version of the standard Firetainer®, it’s developed specifically for residential sprinkler systems in line with BS 9251:2014. Supplied as an easy-to-assemble kit, it can be installed directly onto a concrete base, offering reliable water storage where space is limited but performance is essential.
The Role of Compliance in Fire Sprinkler Water Storage
Compliance with fire safety standards is essential when designing and installing sprinkler water tanks. Regulations such as BS 9251:2014 (for domestic and residential sprinkler systems) and guidance documents like TB203 define the performance, inspection, and testing criteria for storage systems.
Franklin Hodge’s fire protection tanks are LPCB-approved and designed to meet or exceed these standards. Our experience in manufacturing and certification ensures every tank supports both regulatory and insurance compliance, offering peace of mind for property owners and specifiers.
By choosing a compliant system, building managers reduce long-term maintenance issues and ensure that safety requirements are consistently met throughout the tank’s lifespan.
Advantages of Choosing Franklin Hodge Fire Sprinkler Water Storage Tanks
Franklin Hodge’s residential sprinkler tanks deliver the same engineering quality as our larger industrial systems, in a smaller, more adaptable footprint.
Key advantages include:
- Flexibility: Designed for installation in restricted plant rooms, basements or loft spaces.
- Economy: Effective use of available area reduces overall project cost.
- Low maintenance: Galvanised steel construction with EPDM or butyl rubber liners ensures long service life.
- Compliance: Fully conforms to BS 9251:2014 and LPCB standards.
- Ease of assembly: Supplied as sectional kits for straightforward transport and installation on-site.
These advantages make the Firetainer® ideal for apartment buildings where safety, space efficiency and reliability must work together.
Specifying the Right Fire Sprinkler Tank for Multi-Occupancy Buildings
Every apartment building depends on its fire protection system working flawlessly when needed most. A correctly designed sprinkler water storage tank ensures the system performs with consistency and confidence, protecting residents, property, and reputation.
Franklin Hodge’s LPCB-certified range combines engineering precision with practical design to fit modern residential layouts, from compact roof voids to large underground basements.
To ensure your next project meets the latest fire protection standards, contact our specialists at Franklin Hodge for tailored technical guidance and a quotation.
