Dry Riser Testing London

A dry riser plays an important role in a building’s fire protection arrangements, providing firefighters with a means of delivering water to designated points throughout the property. However, if the system has not been regularly inspected and tested, faults may go unnoticed until it is needed.

At Artius Fire Protection, we provide professional dry riser testing in London, helping building owners, managing agents, facilities managers and responsible persons maintain their fire protection systems.

Our services include annual pressure testing, six-monthly visual inspections, maintenance and remedial repairs. Whether you manage a residential development, commercial premises, hotel or another property equipped with a dry riser, we can help you establish an appropriate inspection and testing schedule.

To discuss your requirements, call our team on 0203 004 0003 or contact Artius Fire Protection  to arrange a site survey.

Professional Dry Riser Testing for London Buildings

A dry riser is a network of pipework installed within a building that allows the fire and rescue service to pump water from an external supply to landing valves on designated floors.

Unlike a wet riser, which remains charged with water, a dry riser is normally empty until it is required for firefighting.

Because the system is not routinely filled with water, problems such as damaged valves, deteriorated seals, corrosion or leaks may not be immediately apparent.

Regular testing helps identify these issues before they affect the system’s operation.

Our wet and dry riser services  cover inspection, testing, servicing and maintenance, supporting the ongoing reliability of these important firefighting installations.

How Often Should Dry Risers Be Tested?

Dry risers should be subject to a programme of regular inspection and testing in accordance with BS 9990, the British Standard covering non-automatic firefighting systems in buildings.

The normal maintenance programme includes two important activities.

Six-Monthly Dry Riser Inspections

A visual inspection should be undertaken at intervals of no more than six months.

The purpose is to identify visible damage, deterioration, missing components and other issues that could affect the system’s operation.

During an inspection, relevant checks include:

• The condition and operation of inlet and landing valves.

• Missing or damaged blank caps, chains and washers.

• The condition of inlet cabinets, doors and associated fittings.

• Evidence of corrosion or physical damage.

• The presence and condition of required identification signage.

• Whether components remain accessible and free from obstruction.

Any defects identified should be recorded and assessed so that appropriate remedial action can be arranged.

Annual Dry Riser Pressure Testing

An annual hydraulic pressure test checks the integrity of the system under pressure.

This involves filling the dry riser with water and applying the appropriate test pressure to assess whether the installation can maintain pressure without unacceptable leakage.

For the annual test described in Artius’s existing service information, the system is pressurised to 10 bar at the inlet for at least 15 minutes.

During testing, the pipework, joints and landing valves are checked for evidence of leakage or other problems.

After a successful test, the system is drained and returned to its normal condition.

If a dry riser fails to maintain the required pressure, the cause must be investigated and any necessary repairs completed before successful retesting.

What Happens During a Dry Riser Test?

The exact testing procedure depends on the building, the installation and its condition.

Our approach is intended to identify potential problems while providing building managers with a clear understanding of the system’s condition.

1. Initial Assessment

Before testing begins, the system and its accessible components are assessed.

This includes consideration of the inlet, landing valves, associated fittings and access arrangements.

Any obvious defects or concerns can be identified before the hydraulic test proceeds.

2. Hydraulic Pressure Test

The dry riser is connected to a suitable water supply and testing equipment.

The system is filled and pressurised in accordance with the applicable testing procedure.

Pressure is monitored throughout the test, and accessible components are checked for leaks or other signs of failure.

3. Inspection of System Components

The condition of the associated valves, fittings and equipment is considered as part of the inspection and testing process.

The objective is to identify problems that could affect the system’s operation during a fire.

4. Draining and Reporting

Once testing has been completed, the system is drained and returned to its normal condition.

The test results are recorded, together with any identified defects and recommendations for further work.

Where repairs are required, these can be discussed with the building owner or responsible person.

What Happens if Your Dry Riser Fails Its Test?

A failed pressure test can indicate a leak, damaged component or another issue affecting the system’s integrity.

Common problems include deteriorated washers, defective landing valves, damaged inlet components and leaking pipework.

Where a fault is identified, it is important to establish its cause and determine the appropriate repair.

Artius provides dry riser maintenance and remedial services, including the replacement or repair of relevant valves, fittings, washers, cabinets and other components.

Following the necessary work, the system can be retested to establish whether the identified problem has been resolved.

If a significant defect affects the availability of the system, the responsible person should also consider any necessary interim fire-safety measures while repairs are arranged.

Dry Riser Testing for Commercial and Residential Properties

London contains a wide variety of buildings equipped with firefighting risers, each presenting its own maintenance and access considerations.

Our dry riser testing services are suitable for enquiries involving a range of property types.

Residential developments and apartment buildings

Managing agents, freeholders and building managers need to maintain the firefighting systems provided within their developments. Regular inspections help identify deterioration, accidental damage and faults affecting the installation.

Commercial offices

Office buildings may have multiple floors, designated fire service access points and occupied areas that require careful coordination during maintenance.

Hotels and hospitality properties

Testing arrangements should take account of the building’s operation, access requirements and the need to minimise unnecessary disruption.

Mixed-use developments

Properties containing residential accommodation, offices and commercial units may have more complex management arrangements. Clear testing records and communication are particularly important where several parties share responsibility for building maintenance.

We also provide other fire protection services, including fire alarm systems  and fire risk assessments , which may form part of a building’s wider fire-safety arrangements.

Dry Riser Testing Across London

Artius Fire Protection supports commercial and residential customers throughout London and the surrounding counties.

Our existing London service coverage includes Central London, Greater London and South London, alongside locations such as Croydon.

We can discuss dry riser testing requirements for buildings across these areas, taking account of the property, system configuration and access arrangements.

Whether you require an annual pressure test for a single building or support with an ongoing maintenance programme, our team can discuss your requirements and the next steps.

For properties requiring additional fire protection services, we also provide fire hydrant installation in London  and a wider range of specialist systems.

Why Choose Artius Fire Protection?

Maintaining a dry riser requires an understanding of both the system itself and the importance of reliable fire protection within the building.

Artius provides installation, servicing, testing and remedial support for wet and dry risers, alongside a broader range of fire protection services.

Working with our team gives building managers access to:

• Professional dry riser inspection and pressure testing services.

• Support with identifying and addressing defective components.

• Advice on ongoing servicing and maintenance requirements.

• Testing records and information about any identified faults.

• Access to wider fire protection services where required.

We aim to make the process straightforward, helping you understand the condition of your system and any necessary next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Riser Testing

How often does a dry riser need testing?

A dry riser should normally receive a visual inspection every six months and a hydraulic pressure test annually, in accordance with the applicable requirements of BS 9990. Additional inspections or testing may be appropriate following damage, repairs or other circumstances affecting the system.

What pressure is used during an annual dry riser test?

Artius’s stated annual dry riser testing procedure involves applying a pressure of 10 bar at the inlet for at least 15 minutes. The procedure should be carried out by competent personnel using suitable equipment.

Can a dry riser fail its annual pressure test?

Yes. A dry riser may fail if it cannot maintain the required pressure or if leakage or other defects are identified. The cause should be investigated, necessary remedial work completed and the system retested as appropriate.

Who is responsible for arranging dry riser testing?

The building’s responsible person or relevant dutyholder should ensure that appropriate fire-safety maintenance arrangements are in place. Depending on the property, this may involve the owner, employer, managing agent or another organisation with responsibility for the premises.

Can Artius carry out dry riser repairs following an inspection?

Yes. Artius provides dry riser maintenance and remedial services, including work on valves, washers, fittings, cabinets and other relevant components. The required work will depend on the nature and extent of any identified defects.

Arrange Dry Riser Testing in London

If your building’s dry riser is due for its annual pressure test, requires a six-monthly inspection or has an identified fault, Artius Fire Protection can help.

Contact our team to discuss your installation, current testing arrangements and any concerns about the system’s condition.

Call 0203 004 0003 or send us an enquiry  to arrange dry riser testing in London.