Standpipes

Standpipes are an arrangement of piping, valves, hose connections and allied equipment installed in a building or structure with the hose connections located in such a manner that the water can be discharged through attached hoses and nozzles. Standpipe systems provide fire hose connections within a building or industrial complex. These hose connections are fed by a supply pipe (often referred to as a riser) and are located throughout the facility, usually on each floor. In some large industrial areas the hose connections might be outside.

The four methods in which water is supplied to standpipes are as follows:

 • Wet standpipe in which water is supplied directly from a water main (or through a fire pump if higher pressures are needed). The water supply valve is always open and the system is always under water pressure.
 • Dry standpipe in which there is no permanent water supply. Water must be supplied by the fire department.
 • Dry standpipe in which a connection to a water main is provided by a manual control valve which is kept closed. The standpipe system remains dry until needed.
 • Dry standpipe in which the valve controlling water to the system is automatic, as with a dry pipe valve. Water is admitted to the system when a hose valve is opened and air pressure in the system is released.

Riser

Wet standpipes are the most common and are the preferred type. However, dry standpipes might be necessary in unheated areas.

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