Standpipe Allowed to Run In-Between Stair?

4/22/2026

Is this an allowed and feasible installation for FHV's that are required to be installed at intermediate landings, to avoid penetrations in a precast stair?

Is there a code basis against this, or any differing recommendations on routing here?

See image below.

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15 Comments

Glenn Berger

4/22/2026 08:14:21 am

The height of the hose connection and valve may be an issue.

Need to ensure that the handrail is not affected by the pipe installation. Need to ensure that the valve is clear from affecting people movement.

May be an issue with securing the pipe for proper vertical alignment.

Todd E Wyatt

4/22/2026 08:16:33 am

See "Standpipes: Floor vs. Intermediate-Level Landings" (https://www.meyerfire.com/blog/standpipes-floor-vs-intermediate-level-landings)

Dan Wilder

4/22/2026 08:19:33 am

Allowed, sure in theory.....however I wouldn't recommend it. Although I have seen it before with the hose valve/standpipe 180° rotated from this illustration.

The stair landing looks deep enough to accommodate the piping in the corner of the landing, unless there is a door not shown if this is a main landing and would also accommodate a drainpipe if this is a combined standpipe or pressure reducing valves. Unless these are very tall floors, the hose valve would need to be at every landing not every other.

Support for the piping would need to be custom fabricated as a horizontal attachment to the side of the slab is not allowed for vertical support.

The way the hose would lay off this valve would severely impact egress and travel. Also, as handrails are typically 42" tall with the upper rail topping out in the 48"-52" range, this setup looks very much above the 5' max.

Access to the hose valve needs to be clear, this setup would likely mean having to stand on a stair tread for access to the hose valve for operations.

Michael Meekins link

4/22/2026 10:57:22 am

Guardrails are required to be 42" above the finish floor level. (IBC & NFPA 101)
Handrails must be 34–38" above the finish floor level. (IBC & NFPA 101)
Clearances above/below handrails have 1 1/2" requirements as well, with stairs having a clear headroom requirement above the tread surface can have a minimum of 80" clearance but 7'-6" is generally preferred for minimum best practice for continuity of ceiling heights.

Ray Hardy link

4/22/2026 08:21:29 am

Commonly seen on Scissor stairs as opposed to return stairs

Ricardo Gonzales

4/22/2026 08:27:09 am

Before installing this work, I like the idea, coordinate with structural and the AHJ to make sure each platform can handle the weight at this location.

Jack G

4/22/2026 08:28:42 am

Yes, as long as they adhere to the protection standards of NFPA 14.
This is kind of a standard for older buildings where landings are frequently very thick. In my “ first” older building in 1970, the landings were 22 inches thick.
The standpipe must be secured to the stair surrounding the standpipe. I secured mine with welded studs and welded pipe clamps to the underside of the runners( 12 inches thick)
The hose valve must be non obstructing, like on a typical installation on a landing.
The valves , especially prvs , cannot be upside down. Arrows on the handle and settings of the valve must be seen by the firemen.
The example above looks pretty good.
I try to keep the handle height at ( under 5-0) at 4-6 and not to obstruct the hand rails. ( maintain NFPA 14 installation standards)
Handles cannot enter the egress space, as shown above ( vertical installation of the valves )
Good design !

Jack G

4/22/2026 09:02:46 am

Vic’s——if EQ zone, will need them each side of the landing .

Jesse

4/22/2026 08:39:17 am

The only issue I can see is height of the hose valve as it relates to the handrail.

Anthony

4/22/2026 09:52:26 am

I like this arrangement for non compliant landings. Where no matter where you put the standpipe you'll be in an egress path. Also only in retrofits. I don't like this for new builds at all, work with the architect and design team to make the stair larger enough to accommodate the FP in new builds in main landings.

Jose R Figueroa

4/22/2026 10:04:19 am

To the best of my knowledge, no standard prohibits this arrangement, and it is not that uncommon. Please ensure that you consult with the FD/AHJ before commencing the project. The issue may stem from the lack of access to the valves and outlets required for the FD.

Brevin Holden

4/22/2026 10:40:00 am

I think everyone above is correct and has great comments. Also, assuming this is a rated stairwell enclosure, I would be interested to see how they sleeve around the piping in through penetrations like the floor levels.

Max B - AFPC Corp

4/22/2026 11:41:12 am

Thinking about hanging requirements I remembered that victaulic has No.A191 carbon steel anchor outlet fitting.

Ryan Grant

4/23/2026 08:54:28 am

From an AHJ/firefighting perspective, I find it problematic. It will obstruct the stairs and hinder movement.

Larry Kaufman

4/24/2026 08:07:24 am

From an operations standpoint this arrangement would be problematic.

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Standpipe Allowed to Run In-Between Stair?

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