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Dry Risers2026-10-21T08:39:02+00:00

DRY & WET RISERS

Installation & Maintenance of Dry Risers

General Overview: Importance Of Commercial Riser Systems In Buildings

The British Standard used for design, installation, testing and maintenance of Wet and Dry Risers is: BS 9990 Non-automatic fire fighting systems in buildings Code of practice. It is a legal requirement that any new dry riser 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. A 6 monthly visual check which is primarily an anti-theft or anti vandalism check, should be carried out by a competent person with the records stored in a safe place, should they be required by the local authorities. The annual water test should be carried out to 12 bar for 15 minutes.

Wet Riser Pumping Systems

Wet risers are installed into new buildings above 50 metres, or in cases where it is difficult to provide a suitable breeching inlet position to a dry riser. Wet rising mains are intended for use by the fire brigade or other trained personnel.

Two automatic pumps should be installed, one a duty pump and one as standby pump which should automatically operate in the event of the failure of the duty pump. If you have a pump installed to support your wet riser this will need to be included within the service inspections. The pumps can be either electric motors or diesel engineers.

If both pumps are driven by electric motors, the electrical supplies should be totally independent or have a changeover switch installed, which can changeover to the independent supply if the primary power supply fails. The independent supply can be provided from an automatically started generator. Each pump should provide a water flow of 1500 litres/min which should be sufficient to provide a running pressure of 8 bar at two landing valves being used simultaneously.

How Does A Riser System Work?
A dry riser system is a network of pipework and valves that allow the fire service to easily and quickly deliver water to upper floor levels. The maintenance of these pipe networks and associated valves is essential to ensure they do not leak, can maintain the pressures required for firefighting and are accessible for quick and easy connection.

Ensuring the fire and rescue service have fast access to water supplies throughout your premises is one of the most effective ways of fighting fire. The fire service will use their own tender (fire engine) to charge a dry riser pipework full of water. They will then connect their hoses to each outlet valve on each floor to fight the fire at each level. This quick and easy way of water distribution saves time and is a safer way to fight fires, ensuring the fire is more easily contained and quickly extinguished.

What Is The Difference Between A Dry & Wet Riser?

  • A dry riser system is designed to be charged with water by the fire brigade
  • A wet riser system is kept full of water via water tanks and pumps

Servicing & Maintenance
We offer servicing and preventative maintenance for all dry riser systems in accordance with BS 9990 2015 Code of Practice for Non-Automatic Firefighting Systems in Buildings. British Standards recommend that service visits should be carried out every 6 months. Every year one of these service visits is a major service (also known as a wet test) which would include more comprehensive tests such as the hydraulic pressure test. The remaining test is a visual inspection, which due to the accessibility of dry risers and their vulnerability to vandalism, is highly recommended. A sample of maintenance checks we carry out is as follows:

Major Inspection & Test

  • Hydraulic pressure tests of the pipework – this tests for leaks by pressurising the pipework to 10 bar for 15 minutes
  • Inspection of the pipework while filled with water and under pressure
  • Visual inspections

Visual Inspections

  • Check all outlet valves
  • Check all outlet valve washers
  • Check access hatches and doors
  • Check all inlet valves
  • Check all inlet valve gaskets and washers
  • Check for damage and vandalism which may affect operation
  • Check cabinet glass
  • Check cabinet for corrosion/damage
  • Check all valves open/close
  • Check inlet breeching valve springs and rubbers
  • Check signage is present and to latest Standard

For all service visits we will provide you with full certification to prove you have had your dry riser system serviced by a competent fire engineer, ensuring you are meeting current legislation requirements.

Why should I choose a BAFE registered company for my dry riser system?
SS Systems is a British Approvals of Fire Equipment (BAFE) registered company. This means that all fire systems we install and maintain meet the strict regulations set by BAFE. BAFE, under their scheme SP203, inspect us to ensure we are installing and maintaining fire systems to a recognised standard. They also check our insurance, quality control, performance to codes of practice and much more.

What Is The Next Step?
If you’re looking for a regular maintenance schedule for your dry riser system, then please contact our friendly team on 03300417170 or leave your details and we’ll provide you with a comprehensive maintenance quotation.

Enquiry

Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Riser Systems

A dry riser is a network of fixed pipework and landing valves that helps firefighters deliver water to different floors of a building.

During a fire, firefighters connect a pumping appliance to the dry riser inlet, charge the pipework with water and connect their hoses to the appropriate landing valves.

Under normal conditions, a dry riser does not contain a permanent water supply. This distinguishes it from a wet riser system.

Dry risers commonly support firefighting operations in multi-storey residential, commercial and mixed-use buildings.

A dry riser provides firefighters with a fixed route for delivering water to the upper floors of a building.

The process generally involves:

  • Water supply: Firefighters connect their pumping appliance to the dry riser inlet at the designated access level.
  • Pressurisation: The appliance pumps water into the pipework.
  • Distribution: Water travels through the rising main to landing valves on the relevant floors.
  • Firefighting: Firefighters connect their hoses to the appropriate outlets and control the water supply.

This arrangement reduces the need to carry long lengths of charged hose through the building.

The fire and rescue service must have clear access to the inlet and relevant landing valves for the system to support its operations effectively.

The main difference between dry and wet risers is how they receive and store their firefighting water supply.

  • Dry risers: Remain empty under normal conditions. Firefighters connect a pumping appliance and supply water when they need the system.
  • Wet risers: Normally contain water and use a dedicated water supply, typically supported by tanks and pumps, to provide firefighting water at the required outlets.

Building height, firefighting access, water supply arrangements and the approved fire safety design influence which system a building needs.

Both types require suitable inspection, testing and maintenance.

SS Systems discusses dry and wet riser requirements on this service page, including maintenance considerations for wet riser pumps.

Dry risers commonly form part of the firefighting provisions in taller buildings where firefighters need a practical way to deliver water to upper floors.

The need for a dry riser depends on the building’s height, design, use and applicable building regulations guidance.

Buildings that may require rising mains include:

  • Multi-storey blocks of flats
  • Commercial office buildings
  • Hotels and mixed-use developments
  • Industrial or specialist premises with challenging firefighting access
  • Buildings where the approved fire safety strategy specifies a rising main

In England, Approved Document B includes provisions for firefighting shafts and fire mains based on building characteristics, including height. The appropriate arrangement can differ between building types and projects.

Ask a competent fire safety designer to confirm the requirements for your premises rather than relying on a single height threshold.

BS 9990:2015 recommends regular inspection and testing of dry riser systems.

The typical maintenance programme includes:

  • Every six months: A competent person inspects the inlet, landing valves, cabinets and other relevant components for damage, interference, obstruction and defects.
  • Every 12 months: A competent specialist carries out a more detailed inspection and hydraulic pressure test to check the integrity of the pipework and valves.

Building managers should also report visible damage or blocked access whenever they identify a problem.

Some buildings have additional inspection duties. For example, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require responsible persons in relevant high-rise residential buildings in England to carry out monthly checks of essential firefighting equipment, including rising main inlets and outlets.

SS Systems offers planned dry riser inspections and annual testing as part of its maintenance services.

During an annual dry riser pressure test, a competent engineer fills the system with water and applies the appropriate test pressure to check the condition of the pipework, valves and connections.

The engineer typically:

  • Checks the inlet, landing valves and relevant components before testing
  • Connects suitable testing equipment and fills the system with water
  • Raises the pressure in accordance with the applicable test procedure
  • Monitors the system for pressure loss, leaks and other defects
  • Inspects relevant valves and connections
  • Drains the system and restores it to its normal condition
  • Records the results and identifies any corrective work

BS 9990:2015 provides the relevant testing guidance. The engineer should confirm the appropriate pressure and duration for the installation.

SS Systems offers annual hydraulic pressure testing and provides documentation of its findings.

A six-monthly dry riser inspection helps identify visible defects, damage and access problems that could affect firefighting operations.

During the visit, a competent engineer may check:

  • Dry riser inlet connections, caps and seals
  • Landing valves and operating mechanisms
  • Cabinets, access doors and glazing
  • Washers, gaskets and other relevant components
  • Signs and identification markings
  • Evidence of corrosion, vandalism or interference
  • Obstructions around inlets and outlets
  • Relevant drain valves and accessible pipework

The engineer records any defects and recommends suitable repairs or further investigation.

A visual inspection does not replace the annual hydraulic pressure test.

If a dry riser fails an inspection or pressure test, the engineer should record the fault and explain how it may affect the system’s operation.

Common problems include leaking pipework, damaged valves, missing components, corrosion and obstructed access.

The building’s Responsible Person should review the findings promptly, arrange suitable corrective work and consider whether the fault requires temporary fire safety precautions.

Depending on the defect, the building manager may also need to consult the fire and rescue service or a competent fire safety specialist.

After completing repairs, the contractor should carry out the appropriate checks or retesting before confirming the system’s condition.

Keep the inspection report, repair records and any subsequent test results with the building’s fire safety documentation.

The person or organisation responsible for a building’s fire safety arrangements must make sure that relevant firefighting facilities receive suitable maintenance.

In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places relevant duties on the Responsible Person, including maintenance duties for equipment that supports firefighters.

Depending on the building, responsibility may rest with an employer, building owner, managing agent or another party that controls the premises.

For shared or multi-occupied buildings, the relevant parties should establish clear responsibilities and coordinate their maintenance arrangements.

Appoint competent specialists to inspect, test and repair the system, and keep suitable records of the work.

Yes. SS Systems offers dry riser installation, servicing, inspection and preventative maintenance for commercial and other relevant buildings.

Our services include:

  • Dry riser installation requirements
  • Planned six-monthly visual inspections
  • Annual hydraulic pressure testing
  • Checks of inlet and landing valves
  • Identification of damage, wear and maintenance defects
  • Service reports and relevant testing documentation

We can also discuss wet riser arrangements and the additional maintenance considerations that apply to pumps and water supplies.

Call 03300 417 170, email sales@sssystems.co.uk or visit our Contact Us page to discuss your building’s requirements.

Advice When Choosing and Maintaining Dry Riser Systems

Before installing or modifying a dry riser, review your building’s fire safety strategy and the firefighting provisions that its design requires.

Consider the following:

  • The building’s height, layout and use
  • Fire and rescue service access arrangements
  • The location of firefighting shafts and staircases
  • The number and position of required landing valves
  • The proposed inlet location and access for pumping appliances
  • Any existing rising main or other firefighting equipment
  • Relevant building regulations and fire safety guidance

Ask a competent designer to confirm whether the building needs a dry riser, a wet riser or another suitable arrangement.

Do not assume that the same solution suits every multi-storey building.

Choose a provider that understands BS 9990:2015, the British Standard covering non-automatic firefighting systems in buildings.

The standard provides guidance on the design, installation, testing and maintenance of dry and wet rising mains.

Before approving work, discuss:

  • The proposed pipework layout and materials
  • The number and location of inlet and landing valves
  • Suitable access for the fire and rescue service
  • Valve and cabinet arrangements
  • Hydraulic testing and commissioning requirements
  • Inspection and maintenance procedures
  • Documentation and certification

Ask your provider to explain how the proposed installation meets the relevant design requirements.

A certificate or inspection report provides evidence of the work completed, but it does not guarantee that the system will remain free from faults.

Make sure firefighters can reach the dry riser inlet and relevant landing valves quickly during an emergency.

The building’s fire safety design should determine the appropriate positions, taking account of access routes and firefighting operations.

When reviewing an installation, check:

  • Inlet access – Confirm that fire appliances can reach the designated connection point.
  • Landing valves – Position outlets where the approved design requires them.
  • Cabinets – Provide suitable protection without restricting emergency access.
  • Signage – Identify equipment clearly and maintain legible markings.
  • Obstructions – Keep vehicles, stored materials and other obstacles away from access points.
  • Building alterations – Check that refurbishment work does not compromise access.

Include inlet and outlet accessibility in routine building inspections.

Report any obstruction or damage promptly rather than waiting for the next scheduled service.

Establish a planned maintenance programme that follows BS 9990:2015 and reflects your building’s requirements.

For dry risers, the standard recommends six-monthly inspections and annual hydraulic pressure testing.

Your programme should include:

  • Six-monthly inspections – Check accessible components for damage, vandalism, missing parts and obstructions.
  • Annual pressure testing – Test the pipework and relevant components using the appropriate hydraulic procedure.
  • Fault reporting – Record defects and arrange corrective action promptly.
  • Additional checks – Complete any inspections that apply to your building under specific fire safety regulations.
  • Record keeping – Retain inspection reports, pressure test results and repair documentation.

SS Systems offers planned dry riser servicing and preventative maintenance to help building managers organise these requirements.

Confirm the dates and scope of each visit when arranging your maintenance contract.

Plan access and practical arrangements before your contractor attends to inspect or pressure test a dry riser.

Good preparation helps engineers complete their work efficiently and reduces unnecessary disruption.

Before the visit:

  • Confirm access to the dry riser inlet and every relevant landing valve.
  • Arrange keys or authorised access to locked cabinets and service areas.
  • Remove stored items that obstruct equipment or access routes.
  • Inform relevant building staff about the planned work.
  • Discuss suitable parking and access for testing equipment.
  • Provide previous inspection reports and details of known faults.
  • Ask the contractor about any temporary precautions the test may require.

Annual pressure testing involves filling the dry riser with water, so discuss drainage arrangements and any areas that need protection before the work begins.

Make sure the contractor restores the installation to its normal condition after testing.

Act promptly when inspections reveal defects in your dry riser system.

Even relatively small problems can affect firefighter access or the integrity of the installation.

Pay particular attention to:

  • Leaking pipework and connections
  • Damaged or seized landing valves
  • Missing caps, washers and seals
  • Corroded cabinets and components
  • Signs of vandalism or unauthorised interference
  • Blocked inlet or outlet access
  • Missing or unclear identification signs

Ask a competent contractor to assess the defect and recommend suitable repairs.

Where a fault affects the building’s firefighting provisions, the Responsible Person should consider the need for temporary precautions and appropriate communication with relevant parties.

Arrange any necessary retesting after repairs and keep a record of the outcome.

If your building has a wet riser, make sure its maintenance programme covers the complete installation rather than treating it as a dry riser.

Wet risers normally rely on a dedicated water supply, pumps and associated controls to maintain firefighting water availability.

Depending on the installation, maintenance may need to cover:

  • Water storage tanks and associated equipment
  • Duty and standby pumps
  • Automatic pump operation and changeover arrangements
  • Power supplies and control panels
  • Pressure and flow performance
  • Pipework, landing valves and relevant fittings
  • Fault indications and maintenance records

Follow the applicable provisions of BS 9990, the system design and manufacturer instructions.

SS Systems discusses wet riser pumping systems on this service page. Confirm which equipment and checks your maintenance agreement covers before booking.

Maintain a clear record of your dry riser installation, inspections, pressure tests and repairs.

Good documentation helps building managers understand the system’s condition and demonstrate how they manage maintenance responsibilities.

Keep copies of:

  • Installation drawings and equipment details
  • Commissioning and initial test records
  • Six-monthly inspection reports
  • Annual hydraulic pressure test results
  • Fault reports and recommendations
  • Repair and replacement records
  • Relevant correspondence about significant defects
  • Updated drawings following system alterations

Record the date of each visit, the work completed, the findings and any outstanding corrective action.

Store the documents where authorised building managers and relevant fire safety professionals can access them.

Review outstanding defects regularly and confirm when contractors complete the necessary work.

Choose a dry riser specialist who understands installation requirements, hydraulic testing and ongoing maintenance.

Before appointing a provider, ask about:

  • Experience with similar buildings and rising main systems
  • Knowledge of BS 9990:2015
  • Suitable pressure testing equipment and procedures
  • Competence in inspecting and repairing valves and pipework
  • Clear inspection reports and test documentation
  • Arrangements for remedial work and retesting
  • Support for planned maintenance programmes

Review the installation whenever you alter the building layout, change firefighting access arrangements or carry out work that may affect the rising main.

SS Systems offers dry riser installation and maintenance services, including regular inspections and annual testing.

Bonus Tip: Create a dry riser asset register that identifies each inlet, landing valve and relevant component. Record its location, inspection dates, test results and outstanding defects. Use the register during maintenance visits to help engineers check every relevant location and track corrective work.

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