What is a Dry Riser? (and How to Maintain One)

January 2nd, 2025

Last updated: January 2nd, 2025

Dry risers are a vital part of fire safety infrastructure – particularly in taller commercial buildings where quick and efficient access to water can save lives and prevent devastating damage. Yet, for something so crucial, they often go unnoticed until an emergency arises. Understanding what dry risers are, how they work, and how to maintain them is essential for ensuring fire safety compliance and keeping people safe.

What Are Dry Risers?

A dry riser is essentially a network of vertical pipes that run through a building, designed to supply water to various floors during a fire. Unlike a wet riser, which remains permanently filled with water, a dry riser is empty under normal conditions with no water within. It only becomes operational when connected to a fire engine, which pumps water into the system.

These systems are typically found in buildings taller than 18 metres but under 60 metres, such as office blocks or multi-story car parks. The design ensures that firefighters can access water quickly, even on upper floors, without needing to run hoses up stairwells. This is a safety precaution that ultimately has the power to save lives.

Regulations for Dry Risers

In the UK, strict regulations govern the installation, testing, and maintenance of dry risers, along with other forms of fire stopping. These rules are laid out in the British Standards BS 9990:2015, which provides a comprehensive guide to maintaining fixed firefighting systems. Property owners or building managers are responsible for ensuring compliance, and neglecting these duties can lead to hefty fines and compromised safety.

Some key regulatory requirements include:

• Regular Testing: Dry risers must undergo an annual pressure test and visual inspections every six months.
  Accessibility: The system must remain unobstructed and readily available for use at all times.
• Documentation: All inspections and maintenance work should be logged, providing evidence of compliance with legal standards.

Why Maintenance Matters

The importance of maintaining and testing a dry riser system cannot be overstated. Neglecting it not only risks non-compliance with legal standards but also endangers lives and property. A malfunctioning system can delay firefighting efforts, giving a fire more time to spread.

Proper maintenance also prolongs the lifespan of the system, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs or replacements. Additionally, routine checks and repairs ensure that firefighters can rely on the system in emergencies, potentially preventing catastrophic outcomes.

Lots of buildings like hotels have a huge number of people staying in them and lots of areas for fire hazards to break out or cause issues. Maintenance is essential for ensuring that if a fire breaks out, there is the best possible chance of dealing with it quickly.

Steps to Maintain a Dry Riser

Proper maintenance is essential for an effective dry riser system. It ensures the system functions correctly during an emergency and complies with UK regulations. Here’s a breakdown of the essential steps:

1. Visual Inspections

Every six months, a qualified engineer should carry out a thorough visual inspection of the dry riser system. This involves checking the pipework, inlet, and outlets for any signs of damage, leaks, or corrosion. Secure cabinets must be inspected to ensure they’re accessible and in good condition.

2. Pressure Testing

An annual pressure test is mandatory and is carried out to verify that the system can handle the necessary pressure without any leaks or faults. A fire service or certified professional typically performs this test using specialist equipment to pump water into the riser and monitor its performance.

3. Repairing Faults

If any issues are identified during inspections or pressure tests, immediate repairs should be undertaken. Common problems include damaged pipe seals, blockages, or corroded valves. Prompt repairs prevent minor issues from escalating into serious faults.

4. Record Keeping

All inspections, tests, and repairs should be meticulously documented. This ensures a clear audit trail, which is essential for compliance and serves as proof that the system is properly maintained.

5. Emergency Accessibility Checks

Obstructions can render a dry riser useless in an emergency. Regular checks should be conducted to ensure all inlets and outlets are unobstructed and easily accessible to fire crews.

Conclusion

Dry risers might not be the most glamorous feature of a building, but they are a cornerstone of fire safety. By ensuring regular inspections, adhering to UK regulations, and keeping the system in top condition, building managers play a critical role in safeguarding lives and property.

Robinsons Facilities Services offers a full range of fire suppression and fire protection services for your commercial property, as well as a variety of maintenance services. Trust our UKAS-certified technicians to keep your Yorkshire-based business safe and compliant with UK legislation.

Call 01423 226578 or send us an enquiry today for a free, no-obligation quote.