A dry riser lets firefighters get water to the upper floors of a building without running hose up the stairs. If an outlet is missing a cap, a valve is seized or the main leaks, they lose minutes they do not have. We test and maintain dry rising mains to BS 9990 across residential blocks, commercial buildings and car parks.
What we do
- Annual wet pressure test at 12 bar for 15 minutes with a calibrated test pump.
- Six-monthly visual inspection of every inlet, outlet, cabinet and sign.
- Repairs and replacements: landing valves, inlet breechings, caps and chains, cabinets, glazing and padlocks.
- Flow testing of wet risers and fire main pumps where fitted.
- Photographic report per outlet with defects graded, uploaded to the portal.
Working in occupied blocks
Riser testing involves water. We protect landings, notify residents, drain the main fully and leave nothing behind. Where outlets are inside flats or lobbies, access is planned with your housing team in the same way as our fire alarm and emergency lighting programmes.
Frequently asked
What is tested annually?
The main is charged with water to 12 bar for 15 minutes using our test pump, and every landing valve, the inlet breeching, drain valve and air release are checked for leaks and operation. Any drop in pressure is investigated and the cause repaired.
What does the six-monthly inspection cover?
A visual check of every inlet and outlet cabinet, door, glass, padlock, strap, cap, valve and signage, and the condition of the pipework. Vandalism and missing caps are the usual findings.
Do the 2022 Regulations affect risers?
Yes. In residential buildings over 11 metres the responsible person must check firefighting equipment monthly and record it; in buildings over 18 metres, the location and condition of risers must be reported to the Fire and Rescue Service. Our reports are written to support both duties.
