Wet vs. Dry Risers: What Are The Differences?

Wet and Dry Risers are extinguishing systems of pipes to facilitate firefighters in emergencies. They are installed in large high-rise buildings to mitigate the need for running hoses up a long distance.

For buildings above eighteen metres above ground level, Dry Risers are generally a fire safety requirement.

What is a Wet Riser?

A Wet Riser system is permanently charged with water to promptly extinguish a fire, with a dedicated fire pump and water storage tank.

The system is a constant fixture of a property, installed vertically to continually provide pressurised water from it’s own source – this means it does not need to rely on water from other sources to be used effectively and quickly in a fire.

What is a Dry Riser?

A Dry Riser is a system of empty pipework. These pipes are not permanently filled with water, but are connected to an external Dry Riser inlet by firefighters.

The inlet valve connects to a hose, pumps water from the fire engine and is used via hoses at landing valves located throughout the property.

Wet vs. Dry: The Differences

WET RISERS	DRY RISERS
Common in taller buildings over 18m	Found in buildings up to 18m in height
Permanently charged with water	Filled with water when required
Hoses connect to relevant landing valve for immediate water	Hoses connect to fire engine or hydrant to access water
Potential for freezing due to constant water presence	Less likely to freeze due to empty status when not in use
Regular maintenance required to ensure no leaks – due to continous water supply – or lack of pressure	Pressure testing with water run through the system to ensure complete working order