What is a standpipe?
A standpipe is a portable vertical pipe with one or two outlets and often a water meter, fitted onto an underground fire hydrant. It lets you draw water where there is no permanent supply, such as on a building site, at an event, or for facade and drain cleaning. Standpipes are hired from the local water company, usually together with a licence to use a specific hydrant. In Dutch it is called a standpijp.
In Dutch the word can also mean a vertical drain (a discharge stack) or simply any vertical pipe. In some countries, notably the United States, standpipe also refers to a fixed fire-fighting riser in a building.
Application
- Apply to the water company. You may not open a hydrant without permission; it is primarily for the fire service. The company will tell you which hydrant you may use.
- Budget for deposit, hire and usage. Usually you pay a deposit, a hire charge per period and the water used according to the meter. Terms differ by company, so ask for the current conditions.
- Mind the time limit. For longer building projects a temporary builder’s supply connection is often more sensible or required.
- Protect the drinking water network. Do not connect hoses that sit in dirty water or chemicals. Standpipes usually include backflow prevention; do not remove it.
- Open and close slowly. Shutting off quickly causes water hammer, which can damage pipes.
- Frost. Drain the standpipe in winter or store it somewhere frost-free; freezing water can split the pipe and meter.
Common mistake: taking water from a hydrant without permission. It is not allowed, can contaminate the network and can lead to a fine or a damages claim.
Related terms
- Discharge stack
- Sewer
- Facade renovation
- Sewer rehabilitation
- Drainage
Want to know more about building terms? Visit our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.