The Effects of a Poorly Maintained Riser System
If you’ve read our post on
dry and wet risers, you’ll know it’s a legal requirement to carry out a
full annual wet test under BS9990
to ensure your riser system is functioning properly.
The same standard also recommends a visual inspection every six months to detect early signs of wear or damage.
However, we understand that for busy property owners and facilities managers, routine maintenance can sometimes slip through the cracks.
So, what really happens when riser systems are neglected? Let’s take a closer look, including what a flooded riser inspection involves.
What Happens If Risers Fail?
Riser systems play a vital role in high-rise fire safety.
In tall buildings where it’s difficult for firefighters to access water from their own supplies,
dry risers and wet risers provide a crucial water source for firefighting efforts.
Together with sprinkler systems, they help to slow the spread of fire, protect lives, and prevent catastrophic property loss.
If a riser fails during an emergency, the consequences can be devastating — from major structural damage and financial loss
to serious injury or loss of life. The
Grenfell Tower Inquiry revealed that the main dry riser pipe system was out of date,
and “failed for the fire service in controlling fire and smoke spread in the lobbies.”
The fire travelled through 19 floors in just 12 minutes, tragically resulting in 72 deaths.
It’s a stark reminder of the importance of keeping these systems in top condition.
Why Do Risers Fail?
Riser systems are made up of a complex network of pipes, valves, and fittings.
They rely on each individual component functioning correctly to maintain adequate water pressure.
If just one element fails, the system’s overall performance can be severely compromised.
Common causes of riser failure include:
- Natural wear and tear on valves and fittings over time
- Pipe corrosion or leaks from aging components
- Blockages that restrict water flow
- Obstruction or overgrown vegetation around access covers
- Vandalism or theft of key components
Even small faults can lead to insufficient water pressure or complete system failure when it’s needed most.
Flooded Riser Inspection: What We Check
A dry riser should stay empty until the fire service charges it. If water is left in the pipe after a test, or gets in through a leaking inlet or landing valve, the riser is flooded. Standing water speeds up corrosion inside the pipe. In cold weather it can freeze and split it.
A flooded riser inspection looks at:
- the drain valve at the base, to empty the pipe and confirm it closes properly
- the inlet breeching and its non return valves, for leaks
- each landing valve, to make sure it is shut, capped and not weeping
- the air release valve at the top of the riser
- the pipework, for corrosion or damage
If your riser is holding water, it needs draining and the cause finding before anyone relies on it. We can check a flooded riser during a routine maintenance visit, or through our 24/7 emergency service if you need someone sooner. You can read more about our dry and wet riser testing.
Maintaining Your Fire Systems
At Eversafe Fire Protection, we make riser maintenance simple and stress-free.
Our dedicated maintenance service
includes both visual inspections and full wet tests, ensuring your dry and wet risers remain compliant and operational year-round.
To arrange your inspection or annual test, contact our expert team at
info@eversafefire.com
or call 01795 713123.