As you can see in the below video, this particular dry riser test failed immediately on a visual inspection due to leaks from several areas of the pipes and joints. This means that in the event of an emergency, it could prevent the sufficient amount and pressure of water from reaching the required outlet or that a pipe could burst completely, rendering the whole system compromised. Our engineers will re-attend site to repair the leaks and carry out another test to ensure that there and no further issues with the dry riser system.

A dry riser test is a critical safety inspection conducted on dry riser systems, which are fixed vertical pipes commonly installed in multi-story buildings to provide firefighters with easy access to water in the event of a fire. These systems remain empty until needed and are connected to a water source on the ground level by firefighters during an emergency.


During a dry riser test, inspectors verify that all components of the system, including inlet and outlet valves, pipework, and landing valves, are in proper working condition. The test involves pressurizing the system to assess for leaks, blockages, and pressure losses, ensuring it can deliver sufficient water to the designated floors in an emergency. Tests typically involve pressure tests (at 12 bar for up to 15 minutes, depending on local regulations) to validate the riser’s structural integrity and effectiveness.