Risers & Hydrants

Dry Riser vs Wet Riser: What’s the Difference?

The right system for a building usually comes down to height. Dry risers are typically required in buildings between 18 and 50 metres tall, since firefighters can reach the inlet with a fire engine and charge the system within a few minutes. Above 50 metres, that approach becomes impractical, so wet risers are used instead, staying permanently pressurised and ready to use the moment firefighters arrive. Some larger or more complex buildings use both systems together as part of their overall fire strategy.

Dry Riser Testing & Compliance (BS 9990)

BS 9990:2015 sets out exactly how dry and wet riser systems should be tested and maintained. It requires a visual inspection every six months, checking inlets, outlets, valves and pipework for damage or corrosion, along with a full wet test to 12 bar once a year to confirm the system holds pressure and delivers water as intended. A Certificate of Compliance should be issued after every successful annual test, giving you the documented proof of compliance you may need for insurance, audits, or a fire risk assessment.

Fire Hydrant Maintenance

Private fire hydrants aren’t the responsibility of the local water authority; they belong to the owner or occupier of the land they sit on, and it’s down to you to keep them tested and accessible. Our engineers check for damage, corrosion, and obstruction, and confirm the hydrant delivers water at the pressure and flow rate the fire service would expect in an emergency. A hydrant that’s seized, buried, or blocked by parked vehicles can cost precious minutes during a real incident.