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’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Building Safety Newsletter from MHCLG.
An extraordinary record of steel engineering worldwide.
Households living near new pylons to save on bills.
ECA warns growth must not outpace grid capacity or skills.
The role of the client and decision making
CIOB response to built environment professions call for evidence.
Construction's sustainability reporting revolution
Tracking upfront embodied carbon with digital tools.
ECA welcomes procurement reforms
Public spending must back British jobs and skills.
Campaigning for Edinburgh: the Cockburn Association 1875-2049
The role of the civic voice in protecting character. Book review.
CIOB photography competition is open for entries.
ECA Edmundson apprentice of the year award
Finalists announced.
Major new study exposes serious knowledge gaps.
Generating energy from internal light as well as sunshine.