Wet and/or dry risers will sometimes form part of a fire protection solution in compliance with Building Regulations, usually intended for use by the Fire Service. They provide a readily available means of delivering substantial quantities of water to extinguish or prevent the spread of fire.

Generally speaking, dry risers are required in buildings over a given height from ground level. They are also usually mandatory in a low level building where the travel distance is exceeded. Wet Risers will normally be found in buildings over 60 metres above ground level.

Dry risers are vertical mains fitted into staircase enclosures or other suitable positions, with outlet valves on each floor and inlets fitted at ground level to enable the fire brigade to connect to the water supply.

Wet risers are pipes kept permanently charged with water either from a storage tank via a booster pump or direct from the town's main water supply.  Riser systems are tested and inspected to BS 9990:2006. On completion, a certificate will be issued.