Code to Keep Standpipes but Remove Cabinets?

3/24/2026

We have an old Convent building (3-stories with long corridors) that currently has a Type III manual wet standpipe system and no sprinklers. They are remodeling and are installing sprinklers throughout, and want to remove the standpipe system.

As the AHJ, I would like to keep the standpipes but remove the hose cabinets, essentially to make it Class I.

Is there a relevant code path to keep the standpipes even though, for new construction, they would not need them?

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9 Comments

Dan Wilder

3/24/2026 07:59:46 am

As you stated, there is no relevant code path to keep them. Being a 3-story building, I'm going to guess that 3rd floor is just below the floor level requirement for standpipes, same with horizontal distances?

Any fire/building code concessions available that could be offered with the added standpipe system to offset costs? That would be my next go to.

Glenn Berger

3/24/2026 08:18:55 am

Your comment has some interesting words utilized. You used the term "remodel" and not "renovated." You also stated that new construction a standpipe system would not be required.

When I am involved with a remodel project, a criteria search for both existing building code requirements vs. new building code requirements is undertaken.

Can the responding fire department support manual firefighting operations without a standpipe system in place? If the answer is no, then you can require the standpipe system to remain, but without the hoses.

Jeff Ayers

3/24/2026 08:51:45 am

Having worked in the DC area for 40 years (MD, DC, NoVA, Balt. etc.) most of the jurisdictions and AHJ's have amended the IFC, NFPA, IBC etc.
When I have discussions with them, they generally have a valid reason for the amendment: e.g. No phased occupancy on Type IIIA, even with 3-hour fire walls separating the buildings. Continue a 2-hour horizontal shaft assembly from the stairwell standpipes to the intermediate vertical standpipes (which are in a vertical 2-hour shaft)

Glenn Berger's point is correct. Do you have a valid reason to justify the enforcement of the standpipes?

Kevin

3/24/2026 10:54:40 am

The code will now permit the AHJ’s to remove existing occupant-use hose lines where three requirements in NFPA 1, Section 13.2.2.6 are met.

The code does not require their installation

This the link at NFSA https://nfsa.org/2019/11/13/a-thing-of-the-past/#:~:text=The%20code%20will%20now%20permit,does%20not%20require%20their%20installation

From a contractors point of view, and we have done this successfully in many projects, keeping the standpipe is a cost savings. Convert to a class 1. Leave the cabinets install fire extinguishers in the cabinets. Perform the internal pipe inspection and replace pipe as needed. All new FCVA can be tied into the standpipe system. Add a drain riser.

Helena Vrettou

3/24/2026 12:34:42 pm

this is the “NFPA-style”:
They don’t care if it’s a convent, a monastery, or a haunted castle
they just ask: “Do people sleep there? Gather there? Is it historic?”
First, you have to answer these questions because it is classified according to the occupation.
Residential / Lodging Use

If nuns are living there (which, well… they usually are):

NFPA 101 → Chapter 32/33: Residential Board and Care Occupancies
OR possibly Lodging or Rooming Houses, depending on size and services.
2. Assembly Use

If parts are open to the public (chapel, ceremonies, visitors):

NFPA 101 → Assembly Occupancy
3. Historic Buildings

I think this gets closer to your “old convent” trap:

NFPA 914
This is the one that actually cares about age, preservation, and delicate interventions.
Please answer first all the above, then make an official aproach to AHJ Many AHJs prefer removing the FHCs (they’re often misused or neglected) .

Christopher Hoekstra

3/25/2026 01:25:31 pm

You are the AHJ. You have the authority to request the standpipes remain. I have had many buildings where we designed the sprinkler system and the AHJ has requested a standpipe system in the building which didn't require them per code.

Paul Cheever

3/25/2026 01:40:05 pm

As put in here from others, my question is why? The building is now going to be fully sprinklered. Most if not all fire companies can stretch for the three floor to provide mop-up. Now what is your SOP for this building supply the FDC to sprinkler and the separate standpipe? Typically, these buildings are either wet domestic pressure, dry, what are you saving? Pipe is also typically undersized. This building now become a 'one-of' that you will have to alter response from what is typical for any other such building. Who is testing, the old system, how much life is left that you are making this owner do something no code driven.

Helena Vrettou

3/26/2026 07:24:17 am

It is not a logic matter, it is about Codes and Standards. If you need to get into this kind of "bargain", you have to address your demand with all this reasoning you are writing above and take a clear answer applicable in your case.

Jack G

3/28/2026 11:37:57 am

If standpipes are not required, and you want to keep them as a working system, then it must be fully up to code ( enclosures and required psi ) if manual applies, then flow and pressure is provided by the fire department. If a high rise, then a pump system may be required.
Review the IBC-Existing code—- it may allow 1 additional floor for a manual wet standpipe system.

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Code to Keep Standpipes but Remove Cabinets?

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