GRP Fire Sprinkler Water Storage Tanks
Tricel Water Ireland supplies GRP sectional fire sprinkler water storage tanks for commercial, industrial, healthcare and public-sector projects across Ireland. Assembled on site from individual panels, these tanks are suited to plant rooms, restricted-access locations and external compounds where a dedicated fire-water reserve is required by the project fire-protection designer.
01
What Are GRP Fire Sprinkler Tanks?
A fire sprinkler tank is a water storage vessel that supplies an automatic sprinkler system. In a typical tank-and-pump installation, water is drawn from the tank and delivered through the sprinkler pipework at the required flow and pressure. The tank provides the stored water needed for the system’s specified operating period, with its capacity determined by the fire protection design. This makes sprinkler tank selection closely linked to the building’s fire risk, the system’s water demand and the available incoming supply. The usable water volume, operating levels and pump connections must therefore be considered together when selecting the tank. BAFSA: sprinkler water supplies.
Tricel supplies GRP sprinkler tanks for projects in Ireland, with a published capacity range of 5,000 to 1,300,000 litres. Sectional tanks are assembled from individual panels, allowing substantial storage volumes to be installed in plant rooms where access would prevent delivery of a complete vessel. One-piece options are also available for suitable requirements. The final arrangement can incorporate insulation, access equipment and internal divisions, depending on the installation. Whether the project involves a new building or an existing property, the tank should be selected around the confirmed fire-water requirement, available footprint and space needed for inspection and maintenance. Tricel Ireland: sprinkler tanks.
GRP Fire Sprinkler Tank - Key Parameters
Construction Method
Sectional GRP; one-piece options for suitable requirements
Material
Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP)
Capacity Range
5,000–1,300,000 litres
Length/width
Project-specific
Insulation
Insulated configurations available
Dividers
Internal partitions available for sectional tanks
Access
Manways, ladders and side-access options
Installation
Sectional assembly on site; complete-unit delivery for one-piece tanks
02
GRP Sprinkler Tank Specifications
The table below sets out the principal specifications and available features for Tricel GRP sprinkler tanks. The required storage volume should be established by the fire protection designer before the tank dimensions are finalised. Effective capacity is the water available to the system after allowing for operating levels and the suction arrangement; it should not be assumed to equal the tank’s nominal volume. Tricel: effective-capacity guidance.
Useful information for your enquiry
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Specification
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Details
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Construction
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Modular sectional GRP panels; one-piece options also available
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Tank material
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Glass-reinforced plastic (GRP)
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Capacity range
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Published sprinkler range: 5,000–1,300,000 litres
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Length and width
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Configured to suit the required storage and installation footprint
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Insulation
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Insulated tank options available
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Internal partitions
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Divider options across or along sectional tanks
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Access cover
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Manway access for inspection and maintenance
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Access ladders
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Internal GRP and external aluminium ladder options
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Guardrails
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Available around the tank perimeter or manway
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Side access
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Side-access hatch options available
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Fittings
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Inlet, suction outlet, overflow, warning pipe and drain connections
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Drainage
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Self-draining base arrangements for maintenance
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Vortex inhibitor
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Selected to suit the pump suction arrangement and required approval
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Level monitoring
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Level and leak-monitoring options available
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Frost protection
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Insulation, with heating and exposed-pipe protection where required
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Installation
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Sectional tanks assembled and sealed on site by trained personnel
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Specification note
Final effective capacity, tank dimensions, fittings, support structure and maintenance clearances must be confirmed against the project specification and Tricel’s tank drawing. Where third-party certification is required, confirm its scope for the exact tank configuration being supplied.
03
Benefits of GRP Fire Sprinkler Tanks
The following points describe the practical characteristics of GRP sectional construction for dedicated fire-water storage. Suitability for any specific project must be confirmed against the project requirements and the fire-protection designer’s specification.
restricted access Installation
Because the tank is assembled on site from individual panels, it can be installed in locations that cannot accommodate a factory-assembled vessel — including basement plant rooms, roof-level plantrooms and internal spaces with limited door or access widths. Each panel is sized to be carried through standard doorways or access openings.
Wide capacity range
Sectional construction allows the tank to be configured across a broad capacity range — from modest reserves in smaller commercial premises to large-volume storage for industrial or data centre fire-protection systems — without changing the fundamental construction method.
Corrosion Resistance
GRP does not corrode in the way that carbon steel does and does not require internal lining or painting for water contact. This is a relevant characteristic for fire-water reserves where the stored water may remain largely static for extended periods.
Configurable Footprint
Panel dimensions can be arranged to produce tanks of different length, width and depth profiles, allowing the tank footprint to be adapted to the available plant room or compound space, subject to structural base requirements.
Divided-tank configuration
Where the fire-protection design or operational requirements call for a divided or twin-compartment arrangement — for example to allow one compartment to be isolated for inspection or maintenance without fully decommissioning the fire reserve — a divided GRP sectional tank can be supplied.
Long service life
GRP panels are not subject to the corrosion mechanisms that affect steel tanks and do not require the same periodic recoating or lining programmes. The panels and joint seals are designed for long-term service, though periodic inspection in accordance with the applicable maintenance standard is required.
Low maintenance water contact surface
The internal GRP surface does not support the same scale of biological fouling as some other materials and does not shed rust or lining fragments into the stored water — a relevant consideration for fire-system water quality.
Designed for sprinkler-specific fittings
Tricel’s fire sprinkler tank designs are configured to accept the fittings specified for sprinkler applications — including suction outlet positioning, vortex inhibitor provision and pump connection flanges — in accordance with the project specification.
The benefits listed above describe the general characteristics of GRP sectional construction. Whether a GRP sectional tank is the most appropriate storage solution for a specific project depends on the fire-protection design, the available installation space, site access conditions and the applicable certification requirements. Contact the Tricel technical team to discuss your project.
04
Applications and Industries Served
GRP sprinkler water storage can support fire protection systems across commercial, industrial and residential projects in Ireland. The following cards describe potential applications; the required system, hazard classification and storage volume must be established for the individual building.
Commercial Offices & Retail
Sprinkler storage for offices, retail premises and mixed-use developments where a stored water supply forms part of the fire protection design. Sectional construction can accommodate internal plant rooms and installation routes that restrict the delivery of a complete tank.
Industrial & Manufacturing
Sprinkler storage for factories, workshops and production premises. The tank specification is developed around the system’s calculated demand, with the building’s processes, materials and fire protection requirements considered as part of the overall design.
Data Centres
Water storage for facilities where sprinklers form part of the agreed fire protection strategy. The tank arrangement must be coordinated with the selected suppression system, surrounding equipment and maintenance access requirements for the protected areas.
Healthcare
Fire-water storage for sprinkler systems specified in hospitals, clinics and healthcare buildings. Tank layouts should accommodate inspection access and planned maintenance, with arrangements agreed for any work that affects the availability of the sprinkler water supply.
Hotels & Hospitality
Water storage for sprinkler systems in hotels and accommodation buildings, including refurbishment projects with limited plant-room space. Tank height, inlet housing and access arrangements can be considered together where the existing building constrains the installation.
Education & Public Sector
Sprinkler tank installations for schools, colleges and other education facilities where the fire strategy requires stored water. Delivery, assembly and connection work can be coordinated with the building’s access arrangements and the available school or campus works programme.
Warehousing & logistics
Fire-water storage for sprinkler systems protecting warehouses and distribution facilities. The system designer assesses the stored goods, storage height and arrangement before establishing the required water supply and the tank capacity needed for that application.
Residential Developments
Stored water for sprinkler systems serving apartments and other residential buildings where required by the project’s fire strategy. Tank dimensions and water-supply arrangements should follow the applicable residential sprinkler design and the available building-services space.
Food Production and Process Industries
Food processing, pharmaceutical and other process industry facilities may require sprinkler protection as a condition of insurance or regulatory compliance. High-hazard classifications can require substantial dedicated water reserves.
The sectors listed above are illustrative. Whether a dedicated fire sprinkler water storage tank is required for any specific building, and what capacity is needed, must be determined by the project’s fire-protection designer in accordance with the applicable standard and building regulations.
05
GRP Fire Sprinkler Tank Range
Tricel offers sectional and one-piece GRP options for fire-water storage, with the final arrangement selected according to capacity, delivery access and installation conditions. Insulation, dividers and access features can be incorporated where appropriate. The options below describe construction and configuration choices; several can form part of the same tank specification.
Large storage / restricted access
Standard GRP Sectional Sprinkler Tank
A sectional sprinkler tank is assembled from individual GRP panels delivered to site. Its dimensions can be developed around the required water volume and available footprint, making it suitable for larger storage requirements and buildings where a complete tank cannot be brought into position.
Smaller storage / complete-unit delivery
One-piece fire-water tank
A one-piece tank is delivered as a complete moulded unit for positioning and connection. It can suit smaller fire-water requirements where the full vessel fits through the delivery route. The selected model’s capacity and suitability for the sprinkler specification must be confirmed.
Temperature protection
Insulated sprinkler tank
An insulated tank reduces heat transfer through the tank structure and can form part of the installation’s temperature-protection design. It is considered alongside the location, exposure, inlet arrangement and any heating needed to protect the water supply against freezing.
Compartmentalised storage
Divided sprinkler tank
Internal partitions allow a sectional tank to contain separate compartments within the same overall footprint. This arrangement can assist inspection and maintenance planning, with each compartment’s connections and isolation arrangements coordinated with the fire protection designer’s requirements for water availability.
Limited installation height
Restricted-headroom arrangement
Tank height, inlet-valve housing and access-cover arrangements can be reviewed together where headroom is limited. This approach is relevant to existing plant rooms and refurbishment projects, where the design must accommodate both the available height and practical access for inspection.
Bespoke access layout
Tank with side-access hatch
A side-access hatch provides an alternative access point where the installation makes access from above difficult. Its position must be coordinated with pipework, surrounding structures and the required clear space. The tank must be appropriately drained before the hatch is opened.
06
Installing a GRP Fire Sprinkler Tank
GRP sectional sprinkler tanks are assembled on site from individual flat panels, which are transported through standard doorways and access routes before being bolted together on the prepared base. The following guidance table sets out the principal stages of a sprinkler-tank installation. Actual installation must be carried out in accordance with Tricel’s published assembly instructions and any project-specific requirements from the fire-protection designer and structural engineer.
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Requirement
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Guidance
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Site survey
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Confirm room dimensions, delivery access, headroom and the space occupied by adjacent services.
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Tank selection
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Match the required effective capacity to the proposed dimensions and sprinkler specification.
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Structural support
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Provide a level base or support structure designed for the filled tank and specified support arrangement.
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Assembly clearance
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Allow the clearances required around and above the selected tank configuration.
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Panel assembly
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Panels are assembled, bolted and sealed on site by trained personnel.
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Fittings
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Coordinate inlet, suction outlet, overflow, warning pipe and drain positions with the system design.
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Access
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Provide the specified manways, ladders, side hatches and guardrails, with room for their use.
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Controls and frost protection
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Coordinate level monitoring and any specified heaters, insulation or pipe protection.
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Filling
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Inspect the completed tank and supervise initial filling in accordance with Tricel's instructions.
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Commissioning
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Include tank capacity, water supply, pumps and controls in the sprinkler contractor's commissioning checks.
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Installation warning
GRP fire sprinkler tanks must be installed by trained and experienced personnel following Tricel’s current assembly instructions. Incorrect base preparation, panel assembly or fitting installation can compromise watertightness and structural integrity. The completed installation must be inspected and signed off before the tank is commissioned into the fire protection system. Do not commission the sprinkler system until the tank installation has been confirmed as satisfactory by the responsible engineer.
07
Compliance for Fire Sprinkler Water Storage Tanks in Ireland
Specifying and installing a fire sprinkler water storage tank in Ireland involves compliance with a defined set of building regulations, national standards and, where specified, international certification requirements. The table below sets out the principal documents and frameworks relevant to fire sprinkler water storage on Irish projects. Confirming which standards apply to a specific project is the responsibility of the fire-protection designer and the building consent authority.
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Instrument
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Description
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Irish Building Regulations Part B (Fire Safety)
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Statutory requirement for fire safety in buildings in Ireland. Part B sets performance requirements; Technical Guidance Document B (TGD B) provides guidance on how compliance may be achieved. Where automatic sprinkler systems are provided, the water supply and storage arrangement must support the required performance. Confirm with the project fire engineer and building control authority which TGD B edition applies.
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I.S. EN 12845 — Fixed Firefighting Systems: Automatic Sprinkler Systems
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The primary design, installation and maintenance standard for automatic sprinkler systems in Ireland and across Europe. Sets minimum water supply requirements — including storage volume, flow rate and duration — by hazard class. Tank capacity, outlet arrangement, and vortex control must meet the requirements established under this standard by the fire-protection designer.
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FM Approval
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FM Approval is an internationally recognised third-party product certification for fire protection and property conservation. FM-approved tank options are available from Tricel. Where FM Global property insurance or an FM-specified fire strategy is in place, the insurer or loss-prevention consultant will confirm whether FM-approved tank certification is required.
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LPCB Certification (LPS 1276)
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LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board) RedBook listing under LPS 1276 provides third-party certification for sprinkler water storage tanks. Where LPCB-listed products are specified — typically by insurers or fire consultants following the LPC Rules — confirm with Tricel whether the relevant product configuration holds a current certificate and listing.
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Compliance note
Supply of a GRP tank by Tricel does not constitute compliance with I.S. EN 12845, Part B of the Building Regulations, or any other fire-protection standard. System compliance is the responsibility of the fire-protection designer, the installing contractor and the building owner, based on the complete fire suppression system design, installation inspection and commissioning record. Tricel can provide product documentation and certification as required to support the project compliance file.
08
SPRINKLER WATER TANK CASE STUDIES – IRELAND & UK INSTALLATIONS
Tricel’s sprinkler tank projects demonstrate how fire-water storage can be accommodated within existing buildings and constrained plant rooms. The tank layout is developed around the required storage, access route and surrounding services, with installation coordinated to suit the building and works programme.
The examples below highlight two different requirements: restricted headroom in a hospitality refurbishment and limited plant-room space in an education setting. Each installation reflects its own fire protection specification, so the case studies are useful examples of design and installation considerations.
Top 3 Case Studies
Tricel Water UK
Hotel Sprinkler Tank Installation – Ham Yard Hotel
Hospitality
Sprinkler Tanks
London
Tricel supplied and installed a replacement GRP sprinkler tank at Ham Yard Hotel in London, providing reliable water storage for the hotel’s fire sprinkler system while working within the constraints of an active city-centre site.
Tricel Water UK
Fire Sprinkler Tank Installation – SEN School, Falkenham
Education
Sprinkler Tanks
Falkenham
Tricel supplied and installed an LPCB-approved GRP sprinkler tank for a special educational needs school in Falkenham, delivering compliant fire water storage within a restricted site footprint and helping enhance long-term fire resilience for the facility.
Tricel Water UK
Fire Water Tank Installation – Longfield House
High-Rise
Sprinkler Tanks
Wolverhampton
Tricel supplied and installed GRP sprinkler and wet riser tanks at Longfield House in Wolverhampton, supporting upgraded fire protection systems across three high-rise residential blocks.
other related projects
Tricel Water UK
Hotel Sprinkler Tank Installation – Leading UK Hotel
Hospitality
Sprinkler Tanks
London
Tricel supplied and installed a custom LPCB-approved GRP sprinkler tank for a leading London hotel, delivering compliant fire water storage within a restricted plant room while minimising disruption to day-to-day hotel operations.
Tricel Water UK
LPCB Approved Sprinkler Tank Installation – SEN School, Fakenham
Education
Sprinkler Tanks
Fakenham
Tricel delivered and installed an LPCB-approved sectional sprinkler tank for an SEN school in Fakenham, providing a 27,000-litre fire water storage solution designed to meet the latest sprinkler protection requirements while supporting uninterrupted school operations.
Tricel Water UK
Fire Sprinkler Tank Installation – Longfield House
Residential
Sprinkler Tanks
Wolverhampton
Tricel delivered an LPCB-approved sprinkler tank installation for Longfield House, Wolverhampton, providing reliable fire water storage to support residential accommodation and helping ensure compliance with modern fire safety requirements.
Tricel Water Ireland
LPCB Approved Sprinkler Tank Installation – Eversafe Fire Protection
Fire Protection
Sprinkler Tanks
Limerick
Tricel supplied and installed two LPCB-approved GRP sprinkler tanks for Eversafe Fire Protection in Limerick, delivering 135,000 litres of compliant fire water storage while overcoming challenging plant room space constraints.
frequently asked questions
What size GRP fire sprinkler tank do I need for my project?
The required tank capacity depends on the building’s hazard class, the system design flow rate, the required storage duration and the usable versus nominal volume calculation — all of which must be established by a competent fire-protection designer working to I.S. EN 12845:2015+A1:2019 or the applicable standard. Tricel’s technical team can assist with tank configuration once the required usable volume has been confirmed by the project fire engineer. Contact us with your design parameters to discuss further.
What is the difference between usable capacity and nominal capacity for a sprinkler tank?
Nominal capacity is the total volume the tank can hold. Usable capacity is the volume available to the fire pump — the water above the minimum residual level maintained above the suction outlet or vortex inhibitor to prevent air entrainment. For a sprinkler tank, the usable volume must meet or exceed the fire-protection designer’s calculated storage requirement. The tank’s nominal capacity must therefore be sized to account for the residual volume that cannot be drawn down.
Does a GRP tanks from Tricel come with FM Approval for sprinkler applications?
FM-approved tank options are available from Tricel for fire sprinkler applications. [VERIFY FM Approval number and exact configuration scope with Tricel’s team before specifying.] Not all configurations are necessarily covered by FM Approval. If your project requires FM-approved water storage — typically where FM Global property insurance or an FM-specified fire strategy is in place — please confirm the requirement with Tricel at enquiry stage so the correct configuration can be quoted.
Can a GRP sectional tank be installed in a restricted-access plant room?
Yes. One of the primary advantages of GRP sectional construction is that individual flat panels can be transported through standard doorways, stairwells and service corridors before being assembled on site. This makes sectional tanks suitable for plant rooms and basement locations where a pre-assembled tank of equivalent capacity could not be delivered. Site access, floor loading and headroom should be confirmed at survey stage before assembly commences.
What standards apply to fire sprinkler water storage tanks in Ireland?
Can one tank be used for both domestic cold water and sprinkler reserve storage?
How long does it take to install a GRP sectional fire sprinkler tank?
What maintenance does a GRP fire sprinkler storage tank require?
Request a Quote for a GRP Fire Sprinkler Storage Tank
Tricel Water Ireland supplies GRP sectional fire sprinkler storage tanks for projects across Ireland, from small commercial installations to large industrial and healthcare facilities. To receive an accurate quotation, please have the following ready: required usable volume (m³), hazard class, design flow rate, site access details and any certification requirements. Our technical team will respond promptly.