Understanding Standpipes: Basic Guide to Standpipes in the UK

 

When it comes to fire protection, easy access to water is key and a good standpipe system can give you just that. Here we’ll look at all the key information about standpipes you may need: from the basics of what a standpipe is, to the different classes and types of standpipe, and the use of standpipes in the UK.   

 

 

 

What is a standpipe and is it worth it?

 

 

A standpipe is a rigid type of piping, which serves as a connection to the water supply. It is usually installed in a vertical position and it essentially works as a fire hydrant. 

 

 

 

Standpipe systems are a preferred type of a fire safety installation for multi-storey buildings, as they offer some major benefits:

 

 

 

• Time-saving: In case of fire, the fire hose can be attached directly to the standpipe, which means that the hose won’t have to pass up and down staircases, saving precious time. 
• Better water pressure:  A standpipe system provides a shortcut to the water supply by using straight up and down connections. This reduces friction loss along the way, resulting in higher water pressure.
• Safer evacuation conditions: A fire hose lying in the staircases can be considered a trip hazard; the use of a standpipe eliminates that danger. 

 

 

What kinds of standpipes are there?

 

 

Standpipe systems are usually divided into classes, based on the water pressure and size of water hose connection they use, as well as into types, based on how the water is delivered to outlets.

 

 

 

Standpipe Classes

 

 

• Class 1 Standpipe System uses a 2 ½” hose connection and is designed strictly for the use of professional firefighters only, as the high water pressure makes controlling the fire hose difficult.
• Class 2 Standpipe System features permanently-installed hoses with 1 ½” connections and can be used by anyone, provided that they have the necessary fire safety training. 
• Class 3 Standpipe System: different versions of the Class 3 standpipe system exist but in essence, it’s a combination between a Class 1 and a Class 2 system, as it can use both  1 ½”  and 2 ½” connections. 

 

 

Standpipe Types

 

 

There are two main types of standpipe systems – dry and wet. As a general rule, wet standpipe systems keep pressurised water in the pipes at all times, whereas dry ones are either empty, or filled with pressurised air instead. Standpipes are further classified into manual, automatic and semi-automatic subtypes. 

 

 

 

Use of standpipes in the UK

 

 

Sourcing water from a standpipe is perfectly legal in the UK, if you’re using it to combat fire in emergency situations. However, if you would like to use it for any other purposes, such as carrying out temporary works, you will need to apply for a standpipe license with your water provider and pay a fee. 

 

 

 

Got your own standpipe system and looking to replace an existing feature? Check out our range for standpipes here. 

 

Standpipes and Water Theft

It’s important to know that when choosing the right location for the standpipe installation, you should always look for a drain valve (also known as a washout point).

 

It’s a criminal offence to connect a standpipe to a fire hydrant, as fire hydrants should be used only for firefighting purposes. Also, the unauthorised use of fire hydrants is considered theft as illegally installed standpipes are not fitted with a water metre, therefore no payments are made to the water company.

 

Using a standpipe to steal water from a fire hydrant can have a negative impact on the quality of the water received by the paying customers as well. Legal standpipes are designed to reduce the discolouration of water. When the demand for water increases and there are unauthorised standpipes installed, then the water received by everyone in the local area can change colour. 

 

The standpipes you can hire from your local water authority are bright yellow. If you spot a standpipe that is connected to a fire hydrant and is not in that colour, you may want to report it to the local water provider to prevent potential water theft.

 

Applying for a Standpipe in the UK

If you would like to get a standpipe legally installed on your property, you need to make a formal application to your local water company. The standard standpipe you can hire is 25mm diameter and it will be fitted with a water metre, as well as a backflow prevention device for safety. 

 

Standpipes above 25mm can be installed for commercial use where more than 49 kilolitres per day are required. If you apply for a larger standpipe, you will need to sign a Major Consumer Agreement with your provider. 

 

The cost of hiring a standpipe is calculated based on two factors:

• How long you are planning to use it for
• The volume of water used

Charges and conditions of use may vary, so to apply for a standpipe, you need to contact your local water provider to get the necessary application forms and learn about their specific guidelines and requirements. 

 

Like this article on what is a standpipe and how standpipes are used in the UK? Check out more articles below:

Lightning Conductors | Fire Classes in the UK | Understanding the Fire Triangle | Fire Regulations for Converted Flats