What is the Purpose of a Wet Riser?
When should a wet riser be installed?
A wet riser is required in a building 50 meters or higher and is an integral part of a fire safety plan. These systems ensure that the property and its occupants can be protected from any potential fires that may occur. This will also validate your insurance policy.
In buildings over 50 meters high – typically 17 stories a wet riser is require. A dry riser system is necessary if the building is less than 50 meters but more than 11m high. See our blog post on when is a dry riser needed?
How do riser systems work?
A riser is a system of pipes and valves that makes it easily accessible for the fire department to distribute water to higher floor levels. Wet risers are required in taller building over 50 meters high. They are called wet risers as they are left charged with pressurised water from an in-house pump and tank system and in addition the tank is capable of being topped up with water by pumping from a fire appliance / hydrant.
To ensure that these pipe networks and related valves don’t leak, can sustain the pressures needed for combating fires, and are accessible for rapid and simple hook-up, maintenance is crucial.
One of the best strategies to fight fire is to make sure the fire and rescue agency has quick access to water supplies throughout a property. To combat the fire at every level, the fire department will attach their hoses to outlet valves on each floor. This rapid and simple method of water distribution reduces waiting time and makes fighting fires safer. Read more about wet risers.
Wet Riser Visual Checks
Wet riser maintenance
Due to their accessibility wet risers are prone to vandalism so a regular visual inspection, at least every 6 months is recommended. In addition a hydraulic flow and pressure test is required every 12 months , in addition, the water storage tanks and booster pumps should be checked for correct operation. Failure to do so may invalidate your insurance so it is the responsibility of the building manager to ensure these checks are carried out by a suitably qualified person.
Visual inspection: what is checked?
- 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 British Standard (BS9990:2015)
Contact us
Dry Risers Direct Ltd offer installation, servicing and maintenance on all types of risers, both dry and wet. All our services are fully compliant to BS9990:2015 the British standard governing wet risers in the UK.
Get in touch today and our team will be happy to discuss your needs and requirements. Explore our website to read more about wet risers and the services that we offer.
Phone: 0800 689 4034
