Hydrostatic Pressure Testing of Standpipes

By Mario Aurioso

Standpipes must face a battery of tests and requirements prior to approval. All Standpipe hydrostatic test have to be performed in intervals; under LL 64/09 this applies to New Buildings that are higher than 75 Feet. One nuance to the protocol is that interludes of testing are based on building height +/-, not the standpipe riser height.

The first test needs to be performed when the building reaches the height of 75th feet, then at every 100 feet thereafter, (175 feet, 275 feet, 375 feet, etc…) All hydrostatic SD testing shall be in accordance with NYC Building Code.

There is another requirement relating to color. As per BC 3303.8, all permanent Standpipe system must be painted Red.