What is the most common and easiest to maintain type of sprinkler system?

The wet pipe sprinkler system is the most common and easiest to maintain type of sprinkler system. This type of system operates with water stored in the pipes, which means that when a sprinkler head is activated by heat from a fire, water is immediately released to extinguish the flames.

The simplicity of the wet pipe system lies in its design: it requires fewer components than other systems, as it does not have special pressurized air or gas that must be monitored, like dry pipe systems, nor does it involve complex activation sequences like pre-action systems. Maintenance is straightforward; routine inspections primarily involve checking for pipe integrity, ensuring sprinkler heads are free of obstructions, and confirming that the water supply is constant and reliable.

In contrast, dry pipe systems are more complex because they use air pressure to keep water in the pipes at bay until a sprinkler head activates. This necessitates additional components such as air compressors and valve controls, which can complicate maintenance. Similarly, pre-action and deluge systems add further layers of complexity with their dependence on other triggers for activating the water flow. Overall, the straightforward nature of wet pipe systems makes them the preferred choice for many installations, combining reliability with ease of upkeep.