The main purpose is to successfully distribute water for firefighting purposes throughout the building as against the Fire Service running long lengths of flexible hoses throughout the building complex. The Dry Riser system(s) therefore enables a more successful distribution of water for firefighting purposes and a faster response for the fire service in dealing with a fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dry risers should be installed in buildings where the floor is between 11 & 50 meters above ground level. This is roughly equivalent to buildings of between 3 – 17 stories at an operating pressure of 12 bar. The run of horizontal connecting pipe is a maximum of 18m in length in order to ensure the correct pressure of water is achieved.
- A Dry Riser: is a system of valves and pipe work which enables the fire service to pump water onto upper floors of a building.
- A Wet Riser: a system of valves and pipe work which is kept permanently charged with water, generally utilising pumps and tanks.
All dry (or wet) riser systems should be serviced in accordance with BS9990 guidelines on an annual basis. Inspections generally take place every six months. One inspection will be a ‘wet test’ where the riser is charged with water to a pressure of 12 bar to check its integrity. This proves that should water be required in a fire situation the pipework can successfully deliver this when used by the fire service. Our engineers will first check that each landing valve is closed on each floor before performing this test.
The water pressure achieved during the test needs to hold for a minimum of 10 minutes at 12 bar to ensure the riser has passed the test. Our engineer following the test will provide the necessary certification to not only demonstrate that the Dry Riser has passed its inspection but will also highlight any remedial works required, such as the installation of padlocks and straps (an anti-tamper device).
The second inspection conducted by our engineer will be a visual check of the system on each floor to ensure straps and padlocks have not been tampered with, glass on the main incoming inlet valve has not been broken or vandalised to ensure that should the system be required in a fire emergency the system will function correctly.
Dry Riser before service
Dry Riser after service
(Effective and long-lasting Repair Works)
What we can offer you
Our service means that we have our own vehicle installed with a water bowser and industrial pump for delivery of the water during the test. Unlike other companies who may profess to offer this service we invested a substantial amount of money to ensure we could deliver this service ‘in house’. We do not therefore use subcontractors ensuring you get the full benefit of our professional service and feedback on site from our engineers.
On completion of all service works our engineers will issue certification in accordance with BS9990 guidelines to ensure compliance. The certification will also detail any requirements for remedial works to your Dry Riser System(s).
