Dry Riser Servicing and Maintenance - All That You May Need To Know

Dry risers consist of a system of pipes that are used to deliver water at the optimum to the different floors of the building in case of a fire. Since dry risers play a major role in a fire emergency, it is important that they are regularly serviced.

Dry riser service

Risers are primarily of two kinds. A wet riser remains water charged whereas a dry riser is kept empty of water. Wet risers are installed in buildings which are 60 meters in height, whereas dry risers are installed in buildings, which are above 18m meters in height.

Risers are essential equipment and ensure safety in case of a fire. It is important to service them at regular intervals due to the following reasons:

• Risers may be subject to vandalism and neglect.
• Penalties may be imposed in case inappropriate functioning of the risers is detected.
• Riser leaks can damage property.

It is also important to ensure that the dry risers are inspected and maintained for age related failures caused by general wear and tear and vandalism.
Hence it is essential that the risers are serviced regularly. According to British Standard Codes BS 9990:2006, it is mandatory to undertake two half yearly visual inspections and one annual pressure test of a dry riser. It is the responsibility of the person entrusted with the responsibility of the building to ensure that the half yearly inspections and annual dry riser service is carried out. Few other factors regarding dry riser service which may be considered include:

• The law mandates proper maintenance and inspection of a dry riser system.
• Since dry risers are an essential part of fire fighting, it is important to ensure that they are maintained and serviced according to the set standards.

The cost of servicing a dry riser can vary according to the nature and complexity of the system. Most dry riser service providers do an inspection of the system before quoting the price for the service.

Yearly Pressure Test of Dry Risers

The annual pressure test is mandatory for dry risers. They are pressure tested for a minimum time of 15 minutes with a minimum pressure of 10 bar. This is the accepted and the lone way of effectively testing the system of the dry risers. The breeching connector which may be located at the level of fire service access or on the ground floor is checked for faults and leaks.

During the check, the other outlets and landing valves are also inspected. In case any faulty parts are detected, they may be replaced. Post the replacement, a retest is conducted. The certification is given only when the expert gets full satisfaction regarding the working of the system.

Half yearly visual inspection

The visual inspection undertaken by an expert involves faults, missing parts and damages in order to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the dry risers.
Ensuring that the dry risers remain functional and effective is an important step towards ensuring safety in case of a fire.

A Complete Guide for Dry Riser Installation, Servicing and Testing

While installing fire safety equipment, it is important to ensure that it has adequate supply of water in the absence of which it may not prove to be effective in case of a fire emergency. A dry riser can ensure optimum water supply to the entire building where it is installed.

Dry riser installation

A dry riser consists of a vertical pipe, which may branch into a system of pipes. These pipes ensure water distribution to various building levels. A dry riser helps in fire suppression and is generally fitted in an accessible area of the building like the staircase. Dry risers are installed in enclosures which are fire proof and at a maximum of 18m distance between the fire engine and inlet box.

Dry risers are installed according to the building regulations which mandate their installation with buildings above 18m in height. Opting for a dry riser installer ensures adequate water supply to all levels of the building in case of a fire. In order to ensure this, it is important that the external inlet parts of a dry riser remain accessible during a fire emergency. The pipes in the dry riser consist of compressed air that is released to allow water flow in the situation of a fire emergency.

Dry riser testing

The safety standards for dry risers include the following aspects:

• Dry risers are serviced at six monthly intervals.
• An annual hydraulic pressure testing is done for a minimum time of 15 minutes.
• The building’s managing agent, landlord or owner is responsible for ensuring dry riser testing.
• Failure to inspect and test dry risers can invalidate the building insurance.

Dry riser testing is of the following main types:

Annual wet testing

The wet testing undertaken annually involves the following steps:

• The system is pressurized with water up to 10 bar for a minimum period of 15 minutes, with the help of a special test rig.
• If the riser is unable to hold the pressure, the joints, outlets and inlets are inspected for leaks and faults.
• Faulty items are replaced and another pressure test is undertaken.
• On completion of the testing procedure, the dry riser is drained.
• After being satisfied with the test results, a certification is issued.

Visual inspection

Visual inspections of the dry risers are undertaken every six months. Any visible damaged or missing items are noted and replaced. This type of inspection covers the aspects like signage, inlet valve rubbers and springs, glass and doors, inlet cabinets, landing outlets, nuts and wheels, chains and blank caps, outlet washers, locks and straps and valves. This type of comprehensive inspection ensures early detection of faults. In case the pipe work in the dry riser requires alterations, it is advisable to do a complete flow test.

It is important to ensure that inspection and testing is carried out by an expert. This can help to ensure safety in case of a fire emergency and lower the risk of damage to property and loss of life.

Dry Risers - Everything You May Need To Know About Their Installation and Maintenance

Installation of dry risers is important to ensure safety of people in high rise buildings. It is a fire fighting system that can distribute water to all floors of a high rise building in case of fire emergencies.

Dry riser

All buildings above 18m in height, but less than a height of 60m are required to have dry risers installed. A dry riser is kept empty of water, but in times of fire emergencies, it can distribute water to various levels of the building through the outlet pipes. This helps fire fighters in effectively dousing the fire without the need to drag the hose to different levels of the building.

Dry riser installation requirements

A dry riser consists of the three main components. They are:

• External inlet

The external inlet is located in an enclosure on the building exterior wall. It is located on the ground level and consists of hose connection and a water collecting head along with a drain valve. The location of the inlet allows easy access to fire service providers in case of an emergency. The drain down valve allows drainage after use.

• The piping

Ideally, the pipes of diameter 100 mm should have an outlet for each floor. However, for taller buildings which require more outlets for every floor, the suggested diameter of the pipe should be 150 mm. The pipes should consist of air valves situated on the top. These can be used to evacuate air to allow the flow of water through them in case of fire emergencies. The pipes should also have shafts which are fire resistant placed around them.

• Outlets

The outlets can be located on each floor to distribute water in case of fire emergencies. The outlets should contain hose connections and gate valves. It is important to locate the outlets in a protected location so that they can effectively be used in case of fire emergencies. Placing one outlet on the top floor of the building facilitates easy testing and maintenance.

It is recommended to know about all factors that a dry riser installer takes into account certain specifications. These specifications relate to using wrought galvanised steel pipes, following building regulations during the installation process, consultation with the local fire station to ensure proper placement of the components and ensuring proper water supply.

Dry riser testing and maintenance

It is important to ensure that dry risers are regularly tested and maintained. This can help ensure their proper functioning in emergency situations. It is essential to ensure an annual testing of the system by a competent professional so that repairs for any damages or leaks can be done. The maintenance process involves the following steps:

• Conducting a visual inspection from the ground floor to the roof, covering the entire system.
• Testing the dry riser system with water for minimum 15 minutes and with a pressure of 10 bars.
• Checking the entire system for leakages during testing.
• Ensuring that there is no loss in water pressure during the testing process.
• Draining the dry risers completely after testing.

Only proper maintenance can increase the life of such dry risers installed in your building.

Dry Risers - Essential Things You Must Know About Their Purpose and Maintenance

Dry riser is basically a part of fire suppression system and consists of a vertical pipe, which can distribute water to different levels or storeys in a building. The dry riser differs from a ‘wet standpipe’ or ‘wet riser’ in terms of maintaining water in the pipe to be used in fire fighting operations. A dry riser in contrast is kept empty of water.

Dry riser usage

The risers are used in a number of structures that have limited fire service access. In such structures, the fire safety system can be utilized to distribute water in case of a fire emergency. Few structures where dry risers may be effectively used are:

• Buildings of height 18 M or above.
• Car parking lots
• Multilevel basements
• Hospital corridors

Dry riser system

Dry risers consist of a system of vertical pipes or a single pipe, which can distribute water to the top most level of the building. A typical riser system installation consists of three components. These components are the inlet and outlet points and the main network of pipes. 

In case of a fire emergency, the inlet points are used to fill the pipes with compressed air. This helps in releasing water from the outlet point. For providing easy access in case of an emergency, the outlet points are situated on the higher levels of the building for easy access.

For efficient functioning, it is essential that the inlet point of the system has access to fire engines within a range of 18m.

The installation consists of a number of interrelated systems. The ground level has the Inlet breeching system located within the inlet breeching cabinet. In an emergency situation, the water travels to the different levels of the building through the external walls, which has the riser pipe. At each level of the building, the installation of water pipes provides an internal connection. The air release valves are fitted at the top of the pipe. This allows the air compressed in the pipe to escape when water is introduced from the inlet breeching point.

Why do you need a dry riser?

There are a lot of regulations stating the requirement for these systems to be installed and maintained in a building. Few reasons why their installation and regular maintenance is advisable are:

• They are important from the perspective of ensuring the safety of people within the premises.
• The people, who provide the premise for the pipe installation, bear the responsibility to ensure that the proper installation and maintenance is done.
• After a fire emergency or accident, the fire investigators may seek information and certificates regarding the installation and maintenance of the systems.
• In case the property owners and managers fail to comply with the installation and maintenance requirements, penalties may be imposed on them.
• Failure to comply with the installation and maintenance regulations regarding the systems could invalidate the fire insurance.

It is essential that the repairs and maintenance of the system are undertaken on a regular basis by a competent and certified professional, so as to increase the working of such pipes.