Rising main
A "rising main" is a vertical pipeline or pipework that carries water or other fluids under pressure upwards from a lower to a higher level. It might be used for:
- Water supply, in multi-story buildings, transporting potable water from a ground-level pump or main supply up to higher floors usually to a water cistern in the roof. This ensures that water pressure is maintained across all levels of the building.
- Pumping wastewater or sewage uphill from a low-lying area to a treatment facility or sewer system. This is particularly useful where gravity-based systems are not feasible due to topography.
- Fire protection, (sometimes called a dry riser or wet riser) where a vertical pipe allows water to be quickly delivered to various floors in case of fire. Dry risers are kept empty but can be charged with water by the fire brigade, while wet risers are kept full of water for immediate use.
Planning Gateway One - Glossary, published on the Planning Portal, defines a rising main/falling main as a: ‘Vertical pipe installed in high buildings for the supply of water for firefighting’
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