We're proud to announce that Patrick Stedman has officially completed the Uponor AquaSAFE Qualification through Uponor Academy — a manufacturer-recognized certification authorizing Stedman's Plumbing to install and service Uponor's residential fire sprinkler systems throughout the Central Valley.

The qualification was issued on August 7, 2026, and is valid for three years. It represents nearly three hours of structured, mandatory coursework across six modules — and it's reserved for licensed plumbers and fire protection contractors only. Uponor explicitly requires a plumbing or fire sprinkler license to take the training. Homeowners and unlicensed contractors cannot qualify.

What Is the Uponor AquaSAFE System?

Uponor's AquaSAFE™ system is a residential fire sprinkler solution designed specifically for single-family and multi-family homes. Unlike commercial sprinkler systems — which are bulky, expensive, and designed for large structures — AquaSAFE is engineered to integrate cleanly into standard residential plumbing using Uponor's PEX-a piping technology.

The system uses the home's domestic water supply to feed concealed or semi-concealed sprinkler heads throughout the living areas. In a fire event, only the heads nearest the heat source activate — not the entire system — which minimizes water damage while maximizing life-safety protection. The result is a system that is far less invasive than traditional suppression systems and significantly more affordable to install.

What the Certification Covers

The AquaSAFE Qualification is a six-module learning plan completed through Uponor Academy Online. Each module covers a distinct technical area of the system:

• Module 1 — Basics (28 min): Introduction to AquaSAFE system design principles, PEX-a material properties, and code framework for residential fire suppression.
• Module 2 — Water Supplies (25 min): Sizing the domestic water supply to serve both fire suppression and normal household demand. Flow rates, pressure requirements, and combined service sizing.
• Module 3 — Sprinkler Spacing (30 min): Layout rules for residential sprinkler heads — coverage area, spacing limits, obstructions, and ceiling geometry. NFPA 13D compliance.
• Module 4 — Sprinkler System Installation (48 min): Hands-on installation procedures — pipe routing, head placement, hangers, flushing, and connections to the domestic supply. The most technical module in the series.
• Module 5 — System Testing (7 min): Pressure testing protocols, inspector requirements, and final acceptance procedures before a system can be placed into service.
• Module 6 — Alliance Membership (40 min): Uponor Alliance program overview, ongoing training requirements, and manufacturer support resources available to qualified installers.

Total training time: 2 hours 58 minutes of mandatory coursework, all completed and verified on August 7, 2026.

Why Residential Fire Sprinklers Matter in California

California has required residential fire sprinklers in all new single-family homes built after January 1, 2011 under the California Residential Code (CRC Section R313). The Central Valley — with its hot, dry summers and elevated wildfire risk in foothill communities like Auberry, Prather, Coarsegold, and Oakhurst — faces a particularly high risk environment where fire suppression systems can mean the difference between a contained incident and a total loss.

Homeowners building new construction, adding an ADU, or remodeling in these areas are frequently required to include fire sprinkler systems as part of permit compliance. Having a qualified AquaSAFE installer means that work can now be handled by your licensed plumber — the same contractor already managing your water supply, drainage, and fixture work — rather than coordinating a separate fire suppression subcontractor.

What This Means If You're Building or Remodeling

If you're planning new construction, an addition, or a major remodel in Fresno or the surrounding foothill communities, and your project requires a residential fire sprinkler system, Stedman's Plumbing can now provide a single-contractor solution for both your plumbing and your AquaSAFE fire suppression installation.

Benefits of using a qualified AquaSAFE installer include:

• Code-compliant installation — every AquaSAFE system is installed to NFPA 13D and California Residential Code requirements
• Integrated design — the fire suppression system shares your domestic water supply, so your plumber and your fire suppression installer are the same person, eliminating coordination gaps
• Manufacturer-authorized work — Uponor factory training means the system is installed per manufacturer specs, preserving warranty coverage
• Faster permitting support — our familiarity with local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) inspection requirements helps keep your project on schedule

A Growing Credential Stack

The Uponor AquaSAFE Qualification joins a growing list of manufacturer and regulatory certifications held by Stedman's Plumbing, including:

• A.O. Smith Certified Service Provider
• Navien Service Specialist (NSS)
• Backflow Prevention Certification
• EPA Lead-Safe (RRP) Certification
• C-36 Plumbing License — CA Lic. #1110490

Each certification reflects a commitment to staying current with manufacturer technology, code requirements, and installation best practices — so that every job Stedman's Plumbing performs is done to the highest documented standard.

Questions About Your Project?

If you're planning a new build, addition, or remodel in the Central Valley and want to know whether your project requires a residential fire sprinkler system — or if you'd simply like more information about AquaSAFE — give us a call at (559) 770-9772. We'll walk you through what's required and give you an honest assessment of your options.