What is a Wet Riser, and do I need one?

If you manage a high-rise building or are involved in fire safety planning, chances are you've heard about wet risers. But what are they exactly? Do you need one in your building? And how do you keep them in working order?

In this blog, we’ll go through the essentials, from what a wet riser is to why wet riser maintenance is so important!

A wet-riser in the UK, should be installed on buildings taller than 50m.

What is a Wet Riser?

A wet riser is a vertical pipe system permanently charged with water, designed to help firefighters quickly access water on every floor of a tall building during an emergency. Think of it as a ready-to-go water source built right into the walls.

You'll typically see wet risers in buildings over 50 metres tall, such as high-rise blocks, hotels, shopping centres or commercial buildings. On each floor, there's usually a red cabinet or valve outlet where firefighters can hook up their hoses and get instant access to water without needing to run hoses up the stairs.

In contrast to dry risers (which are empty until water is pumped in), wet risers are always filled with pressurised water, so they're ready to go 24/7.

Do I need a Wet Riser?

Good question. You might need a wet riser system if:

• Your building is more than 50 metres tall (around 17+ storeys)

• You're developing or managing a building where fire brigade access is limited

• Your fire strategy or risk assessment calls for enhanced water supply access

• Local regulations or planning requirements specify it

In the UK, fire safety regulations like BS9990 and building codes outline when wet risers are required. If you’re unsure whether your property needs one, it’s best to speak to a fire safety professional or consultant.

Wet Riser maintenance: Why it’s so important?

Once your wet riser system is installed, it doesn’t just look after itself. Like all fire safety equipment, wet riser maintenance is essential, not just for compliance, but for saving lives.

Here’s what proper maintenance usually involves:

• Visual inspection to check for damage, leaks, or signs of tampering

• Pressure and flow testing to make sure the system delivers the right water supply

• Pump testing

• Valve and outlet checks to ensure everything opens and operates smoothly

In the UK, wet risers should be serviced at least once every six months, with a major pressure test carried out annually, as specified in BS9990:2015.

Neglecting wet riser servicing could lead to system failure during an emergency, or even legal trouble if you’re not meeting your obligations as a building owner or manager.

 

Our team are well well-equipped to service wet risers.

Wet Riser servicing: Let the experts handle It.

Servicing a wet riser isn’t a DIY job, it needs to be carried out by qualified professionals who know what to look for and how to keep your system compliant and operational.

At Fire Sprinkler Servicing Ltd, we specialise in Wet Risers across the UK, offering:

• Full visual inspections

• Annual pressure and flow testing

• Repairs, upgrades and remedial work

• Detailed reporting and compliance documentation

  
  

Whether you're responsible for a single building or an entire portfolio, we’ll make sure your wet risers are always ready to perform in an emergency.

Get in Touch

If you’re unsure about your current setup, or it’s been a while since your last service, now’s the time to act. Regular wet riser maintenance and servicing could make all the difference when it really counts.

Contact Fire Sprinkler Servicing Ltd today to book a wet riser inspection or chat with one of our experts. We'll help keep your building safe, compliant, and ready for anything.