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 and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.