Dry Riser Installation London
Installing a dry riser is an important consideration for developments and existing buildings that require dedicated firefighting water supplies. A properly designed and installed system provides firefighters with a means of delivering water to designated floors, helping them operate more effectively when responding to a fire.
At Artius Fire Protection, we provide professional dry riser installation in London, supporting developers, building contractors, commercial property owners and managing agents with new installations and associated fire protection requirements.
Our services cover the installation of wet and dry riser systems, with site engineers working to the relevant design drawings and completing hydraulic testing following installation. We also provide ongoing servicing, maintenance and remedial support.
Whether you are planning a new commercial development, undertaking a residential construction project or reviewing the firefighting provisions of an existing building, our team can discuss your requirements.
Call 0203 004 0003 or contact Artius Fire Protection to discuss your London dry riser installation project.
Professional Dry Riser Installation for London Buildings
A dry riser provides a fixed route through which firefighters can pump water from an external inlet to landing valves located at designated points within a building.
The system is normally empty. When required, the fire and rescue service connects a pumping appliance to the inlet, charges the pipework with water and uses the appropriate landing valves.
Its design and installation must take account of the building’s layout, firefighting access arrangements and the relevant fire-safety requirements.
Depending on the project, these considerations may include the positioning of the inlet, the route of the pipework, the location of landing valves and the protection of components within the building.
Artius’s wet and dry riser services include installation, hydraulic testing and ongoing maintenance.
Our team can discuss the requirements of new and existing buildings, helping project teams establish an appropriate approach to their firefighting infrastructure.
Does Your Building Need a Dry Riser?
Whether a dry riser is required depends on the building’s design, height, intended use and applicable fire-safety requirements.
In England, Approved Document B provides statutory guidance on ways of meeting the fire-safety requirements of the Building Regulations. BS 9990 provides relevant recommendations for non-automatic firefighting systems, including dry and wet risers.
Dry risers are commonly associated with buildings where firefighters need a fixed means of supplying water to upper floors.
However, it is important not to assume that every multi-storey building needs the same arrangement.
The requirements should be established through the project’s fire strategy and applicable design guidance, taking account of the building’s characteristics and the relevant version of the regulations.
Where an existing building is being altered or redeveloped, the suitability of its current firefighting arrangements may also need to be reviewed.
Artius can discuss the installation requirements of your project and the information needed before work proceeds.
For information about the wider regulatory framework, see the UK Government’s Approved Document B fire-safety guidance .
Dry Riser Installation for New-Build Developments
Installing a dry riser during construction allows the system to be coordinated with other building services and incorporated into the planned layout.
For developers and main contractors, early consideration of the installation can help identify practical requirements before work reaches an advanced stage.
These may include pipework routes, the location of landing valves, inlet accessibility and the construction of the associated fire-resistant enclosure.
The installation also needs to be coordinated with the building’s structural elements, internal finishes and other services.
Artius’s site engineers fabricate and install riser systems in accordance with the relevant design drawings, addressing necessary alterations as they arise during the project.
Following completion, the installation undergoes hydraulic pressure testing, with test certification issued.
We can discuss dry riser requirements for new residential developments, commercial buildings and other construction projects throughout London.
Installing Dry Risers in Existing London Buildings
Introducing a dry riser into an existing building can involve different considerations from a new-build installation.
The available space for pipework, existing structural arrangements and access to individual floors may influence how the system can be installed.
Where a property remains occupied, the works may also need to be coordinated with building management to minimise disruption and maintain appropriate fire-safety arrangements.
Before proceeding, the project team should establish the building’s requirements and assess the proposed installation route.
This may involve reviewing existing drawings, identifying suitable locations for the inlet and landing valves, and considering how the installation will interact with the building’s existing fire protection measures.
For a commercial property, access restrictions and the requirements of individual occupiers may also need to be considered.
Artius can discuss installation requirements for existing buildings in London, including projects involving refurbishment, redevelopment or changes to the building’s firefighting provisions.
Where work affects existing compartmentation, appropriate fire stopping services in London may also be relevant to maintaining the integrity of the building’s fire-resistant construction.
What Is Involved in a Dry Riser Installation?
Every installation must be considered in relation to the building and its specific requirements. However, a typical project will involve several important stages.
1. Establishing the Project Requirements
The starting point is to review the proposed installation and the relevant building information.
This may include design drawings, the fire strategy, access arrangements and details of any existing firefighting equipment.
For an existing property, a site survey may be necessary to establish the available installation routes and identify potential constraints.
2. Coordinating the Design and Installation
The proposed system needs to account for the locations of the inlet, pipework and landing valves, together with the relevant construction and access requirements.
Coordination with other trades can be particularly important on new-build projects, where several building services may share the same working areas.
Artius works to the relevant design drawings during installation and can address necessary alterations as the project progresses.
3. Installing the Pipework and Components
The installation involves fitting the relevant pipework, connections, valves and associated components.
Work should be completed in accordance with the approved design and applicable technical requirements.
Attention must also be given to the accessibility and protection of firefighting equipment.
4. Hydraulic Testing and Commissioning
Following installation, the system undergoes the appropriate hydraulic pressure test to assess its integrity.
Accessible components are checked for leakage or other defects, and any identified problems must be addressed.
Artius’s published installation procedure includes hydraulic testing and the issue of a test certificate following completion.
The applicable test procedure should be confirmed against the relevant standard and the requirements of the particular installation.
5. Handover and Ongoing Maintenance
Once the installation has been completed, appropriate records and testing documentation should be provided.
The building’s responsible person should also establish an ongoing inspection and maintenance programme.
This helps ensure that the dry riser continues to receive appropriate attention after the construction project has finished.
Dry Riser Installation for Commercial and Residential Properties
London contains a wide variety of buildings, each presenting different considerations when planning firefighting infrastructure.
Artius can discuss dry riser installation projects involving several property types.
Residential apartment developments
For new residential buildings, the dry riser arrangement should be considered alongside the overall fire strategy, building layout and access provisions.
In existing apartment buildings, the installation may need to account for occupied communal areas, existing services and restrictions on available space.
Commercial offices
Office developments may require coordination between the main contractor, building services teams and fire protection specialists.
The positioning of equipment and pipework should be considered in relation to the building’s layout and firefighting access requirements.
Hotels and hospitality buildings
Installation work may involve coordination with the property management team, particularly where an existing building remains operational.
The project’s requirements will depend on the building’s design and the scope of the proposed works.
Mixed-use developments
Buildings containing residential accommodation and commercial premises may involve multiple stakeholders and different access arrangements.
Establishing clear design and installation responsibilities is important where several organisations are involved.
For developments with additional active fire protection requirements, Artius also provides fire sprinkler systems in London and fire alarm systems in London .
These are separate systems with their own design and installation requirements. Their relationship with the dry riser should be considered through the project’s overall fire strategy rather than assuming that they connect to one another.
Dry Riser Installation, Testing and Long-Term Maintenance
Completing a new installation is only the beginning of a dry riser’s operational life.
Once the building is occupied, the system needs to be inspected and maintained so that damage, deterioration and other defects can be identified.
The normal maintenance programme includes six-monthly visual inspections and annual hydraulic pressure testing, in accordance with the applicable requirements of BS 9990.
Visual inspections help identify issues affecting accessible components, such as damaged valves, missing blank caps, deteriorated cabinets and other visible defects.
Hydraulic testing provides a separate assessment of the integrity of the system under pressure.
If faults are identified, appropriate remedial work and retesting may be necessary.
Artius provides ongoing wet and dry riser maintenance, including repairs and replacement work involving relevant valves, fittings, washers and other components.
For new developments, establishing maintenance arrangements before handover can help the incoming building manager understand what inspections will be required.
If you are responsible for an existing installation rather than a new project, please contact us to discuss dry riser inspection and servicing requirements.
Dry Riser Installation Across London
Artius Fire Protection supports commercial and residential customers throughout London and the surrounding counties.
Our established service coverage includes Central London, Greater London and South London, alongside locations such as Croydon.
We can discuss dry riser installation projects in areas including Westminster, the City of London, Southwark, Lambeth, Croydon and neighbouring boroughs, subject to the requirements and scope of each project.
Whether you are planning a new development or reviewing the firefighting provisions of an existing building, our team can discuss your installation requirements.
For organisations considering wider fire protection works, Artius also provides fire risk assessments in London and a range of related services.
Our aim is to support project teams with practical fire protection solutions that are appropriate for their buildings.
Why Choose Artius Fire Protection?
Dry riser installation requires careful coordination, appropriate technical knowledge and an understanding of how the system will be used by the fire and rescue service.
Artius provides installation, testing, servicing and remedial support for wet and dry risers, alongside a wider range of fire protection services.
Our published installation process includes site fabrication, installation to design drawings, hydraulic testing and test certification.
Working with Artius gives developers, contractors and building managers access to:
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Dry riser installation for new and existing buildings.
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Support with reviewing project and site requirements.
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Installation in accordance with the relevant design drawings.
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Hydraulic testing following installation.
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Test certification and associated handover information.
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Ongoing servicing, inspection and remedial support.
We aim to provide clear communication throughout the project, helping clients understand the work required and the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Riser Installation in London
What is the purpose of a dry riser?
A dry riser provides fixed pipework through which firefighters can pump water from an external inlet to landing valves on designated floors. The system is normally empty and is charged with water when required during firefighting operations.
When does a London building need a dry riser?
The requirement depends on the building’s height, layout, use and applicable fire-safety provisions. The project’s fire strategy and relevant building regulations should establish whether a dry riser, wet riser or another arrangement is appropriate. Artius can discuss the installation requirements for your project.
Can a dry riser be installed in an existing building?
Yes, although the feasibility and installation arrangements depend on the building. Existing pipework routes, structural elements, access restrictions and fire-resistant construction may need to be considered before work proceeds.
What happens after a new dry riser has been installed?
Following installation, the system should undergo the appropriate hydraulic testing and commissioning procedures. Relevant documentation should be provided, and an ongoing inspection and maintenance programme should be established.
Does Artius provide dry riser maintenance after installation?
Yes. Artius provides wet and dry riser servicing, inspections, pressure testing and remedial repairs. The normal maintenance programme includes six-monthly visual inspections and annual hydraulic pressure testing.
Discuss Your Dry Riser Installation in London
If you are planning a new development, refurbishing an existing property or need to review the firefighting provisions within your building, Artius Fire Protection can help.
Our team provides dry riser installation and associated testing and maintenance services for commercial and residential projects throughout London.
Contact us with details of your building, proposed works and any relevant drawings or fire-safety information. We can discuss your requirements and the next steps.
Call 0203 004 0003 or send an enquiry to discuss dry riser installation in London.
