A landing valve is the outlet valve on a fire riser or hydrant line, usually one on each floor landing, where firefighters connect a hose. When opened, it releases water from the riser into the hose. It is a small part, but if it leaks, seizes or has the wrong coupling, the whole riser is useless on that floor.
Where are landing valves used?
On wet risers (permanently filled) and dry risers (charged by the fire brigade), typically in protected stairwells or lobbies on each floor, and sometimes at external hydrant points. See wet vs dry hydrant systems for how the two riser types differ.
What are the main types?
| Type | What it means |
|---|---|
| Oblique pattern | The outlet points down at an angle, so the hose hangs naturally without kinking |
| Right-angle pattern | The outlet is at 90° to the inlet, useful where space is tight |
| Gate pattern | Opens with a gate-type mechanism; common on some dry riser outlets |
| Pressure-regulating | Limits outlet pressure on lower floors of tall buildings, where riser pressure is high |
Most outlets are 65 mm (2½ inch) to take a standard fire hose coupling. The coupling type must match the hoses on site and the fire service's equipment.
What do LPCB, Kitemark and UL approvals mean?
These marks show that an independent body has tested the product against a published standard and audits the factory that makes it:
- LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board, UK) certifies fire products to recognised standards.
- Kitemark is the BSI certification mark. Landing valves are commonly certified to BS 5041.
- UL and FM are the main North American listing and approval bodies.
Ask for the certificate and check the model number on it matches the valve you are buying. An approval on a brochure is not an approval for every product the brand sells.
What goes wrong with landing valves?
- Seized spindles from never being opened.
- Leaking glands and seats, which waste water and drop riser pressure.
- Missing caps and chains, which let debris into the outlet.
- Wrong or damaged couplings that won't take the hose.
- Vandalism or theft of brass parts in unattended stairwells.
How should landing valves be maintained?
- Inspect visually as part of the routine checks: caps in place, no leaks, the valve accessible and signed.
- Operate each valve periodically so it doesn't seize.
- Flow- and pressure-test the riser on the schedule set by NFPA 25 and the system design.
- Replace damaged parts with approved parts of the same rating.
These checks belong in your maintenance contract.
Choosing the right valve
Match the valve to the pressure on each floor, the riser type, the hose coupling used on site and the approval your fire safety plan requires. If your building is tall, ask whether lower floors need pressure-regulating valves.
Get your riser system checked by our engineers.