Why Dry Risers Are Essential for UK Buildings: Requirements, Benefits & Compliance

When fire strikes, seconds matter. In high-rise or multi-storey buildings, dry risers play a critical role in giving fire services rapid access to water exactly where it's needed — potentially saving lives and minimising property damage. But beyond their life-saving function, did you know that dry risers are also a legal requirement for many buildings in the UK?

In this post, we break down what dry risers are, why they’re essential, legal requirements for compliance, and how your organisation can stay ahead of fire safety regulations. Whether you're a building manager, developer, or facilities professional, this guide is for you.

What Is a Dry Riser?

A dry riser is a network of vertical pipework installed in buildings, typically in stairwells, that allows firefighters to quickly pump water to different floors in the event of a fire. Unlike a wet riser, which is permanently charged with water, a dry riser remains empty until it is connected to a fire engine at ground level.

Once connected, water is pumped from the engine up through the riser to hose outlets located on each level, giving fire crews instant access to high-pressure water close to the fire source.

Why Are Dry Risers Important?

Here are the top benefits of having a well-maintained dry riser system:

1. Rapid Response Time

Dry risers drastically cut the time needed to run hoses up multiple flights of stairs. Firefighters can connect and supply water to any floor within minutes — critical in containing the blaze quickly.

2. Enhanced Firefighter Safety

Carrying heavy hoses and equipment up staircases is physically demanding and time-consuming. Dry risers reduce this strain and allow crews to operate more efficiently and safely within the building.

3. Protection for Occupants

Faster firefighting means reduced exposure to smoke and flames for residents or occupants trying to evacuate. It's a direct investment in life safety.

4. Compliance with UK Fire Safety Laws

Buildings that fail to meet dry riser regulations may face penalties or be deemed non-compliant during Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs). A functioning dry riser system is not just a safety measure — it’s a legal necessity.

5. Insurance and Liability Benefits

Insurers are more likely to provide favourable terms to buildings that are fully compliant with fire safety standards. In the event of a fire, a dry riser can significantly reduce the extent of damage, helping with claim settlements.

When Are Dry Risers Required in the UK?

According to BS9990:2015 and Building Regulations Approved Document B, dry risers are legally required in buildings that are:

• Over 18 metres in height (approximately six storeys)

• Where there is no access for a fire engine within 18 metres of all parts of the building's perimeter

These rules apply to residential blocks, commercial high-rises, care homes, hotels, public buildings, and even some large warehouses.

For taller buildings over 50 metres, wet risers are generally required instead, as they offer a constantly pressurised water supply.

Maintenance & Testing Requirements

Installing a dry riser is not enough. To remain compliant and effective, your system must be regularly tested and maintained.

Mandatory Checks Include:

• Visual inspections every 6 months

• Full pressure testing annually, as per BS9990:2015

• Ensuring landing valves, inlet boxes, and blanking caps are in good condition and functional

At Fitzroy Fire Safety Ltd, we carry out thorough dry riser testing and certification to ensure your building not only meets legal standards — but is genuinely ready in case of an emergency.

Common Dry Riser Compliance Issues

Non-compliance can be costly and dangerous. Here are a few common pitfalls:

• Inaccessible inlet/outlet valves

• Corrosion or blockages in pipework

• Missing or damaged gaskets, seals or blanking caps

• Lack of recent pressure testing records

• Incorrect signage or fire door obstruction

  
  

Regular professional inspections are the only way to guarantee your system will perform under pressure — literally.

Who Is Responsible?

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsibility for ensuring dry risers are compliant lies with the Responsible Person — typically a building owner, landlord, or facilities manager.

Neglecting dry riser maintenance not only risks lives, but can also lead to prosecution in the event of an incident.

How Fitzroy Fire Safety Can Help

At Fitzroy Fire Safety, we specialise in dry riser testing, servicing and installation across London and the UK. Our team of experienced engineers delivers:

• Bi-annual and annual testing in line with BS9990:2015

• Clear, certified reports for compliance documentation

• Fast-response repairs and replacements

• Scheduled maintenance programmes to reduce risk and ensure continuity

We work with residential and commercial clients across multiple sectors, providing end-to-end fire safety solutions that are smart, reliable and fully certified.

Conclusion: A Small Investment, A Major Impact

Dry risers might seem like a hidden feature in a building — tucked away in stairwells or riser cupboards — but their role in protecting lives and property is monumental. Ensuring your dry riser is properly installed, regularly tested, and fully compliant isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. It’s a frontline defence.

Don’t wait for a fire to find out your system isn’t working.

🔥 Ready to Protect Your Building?

Whether you’re managing a high-rise residential block, office tower, or commercial premises, Fitzroy Fire Safety Ltd has you covered.

📞 Call us today on 07794 354 838

📩 Admin@FitzroyFire.co.uk

📍 Russell Court, Bloomsbury, London, WC1H 0LL

👉 Book Your Dry Riser Test Today – Fast, compliant, and expertly handled.