Why Use a Riser Check on a Shotgun Riser?

8/18/2025

Following up on the recent post about components of a wet-pipe riser assembly, I have noticed many contractors (including places where I have worked) typically install a basic shotgun-style riser with no check valves on the riser assembly, while others opt for a riser check or individual check valves added to the shotgun risers as their standard. (I'm not talking alarm valves)

I know sometimes there are benefits to having check on individual risers, but in cases where the check is not a requirement, what are the considerations people factor-in when making the decision whether or not to install riser checks?

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10 Comments

Doug

8/18/2025 08:20:46 am

From a fitters view, I have seen on multi- story buildings with floor control valves and no check valve. When one system is drained and then refilled, water would drain from other systems to equalize and then multiple system flow switches would activate.
Another problem is with multiple risers from a manifold and no check valves. The water will equalize taking water from all other systems on the manifold and setting off other flow switches.

Dan Wilder

8/18/2025 08:28:26 am

Serviceability, reliability, material and labor costs

Without, servicing systems means closing all the valves to avoid draining the building (or just draining the building). Water surges come into play as the pressure equalizes across larger volumes. Remembering to reopen all the valves when service is complete is also a factor (even with monitoring).

With, there is an increase for ITM activities as the check valve has ITM requirements. There is also a cost factor involved for the added materials and labor.

If remote inspector's tests are involved, the riser check is a good way to get a drain and gauge ports at the same time.

Glenn Berger

8/18/2025 09:27:54 am

Adding to Doug's response:

Depending on water supply characteristics, the use of any form of check valve assembly will aid in limited false alarms with the flow alarm.

Christopher Nelson

8/18/2025 10:05:36 am

From a designers perspective, building size and how much space is given to me by the mean architects.

8/18/2025 12:28:28 pm

From a design standpoint, with an alarm check, if not using a remote inspector's test (or combined remote aux drain / inspector's test), do you y'all tend to just come off above the flow switch with a 1" loop with sight glass & orifice tied to main drain? (I know one company who got a deal on 1" test-and-drains.)

Pete H

8/18/2025 12:46:06 pm

Adding to Chris' Response: Or if I know something is happening in the future. That can also factor into it.

Like say I have a building that is 39,000 sq. ft. One system is fine. But I know they're expecting to add a 20,000 sq. ft extension to the building in 2 years and that my company is likely going to be doing the sprinkler modifications when that happens.

Do I want them to cut up the existing shotgun riser, and add two alarm valves or do I just want put in a full alarm valve now with a cap and add the second one when the time comes?

danefre

8/18/2025 03:35:34 pm

From the contractor's side, our standard policy is to include a check valve when more than one system is involved. This approach addresses the service concerns outlined above and offers a low-cost way to enhance the overall quality and reliability of the system for the client.

For new installations, we utilize pre-assembled zone manifolds that come complete with a test/drain valve, integral check valve, control valve, flow switch, and all necessary trim. Our cost analysis has shown that the labor time saved during field installation—combined with the clean, professional appearance of the final product—more than offsets the additional material costs.

8/20/2025 10:33:57 am

Thank you all. This shows once again the benefits of this wide-reaching Forum, and that someone as long-in-the-tooth as I, yet in a regional silo, I is still learning.

Jack G

8/22/2025 08:43:23 pm

I like shot gun checks from a maintenance stand point as it puts all the test requirements on one valve. Before and after chec gauge, and drain valve to drain or perform drain tests. I don’t like pipe o lets for the drain or pressure gauge. Ninimum size outlet welded for a pressure gauge is 1 inch for most welding machines.
Floor controls should always have a check as most of the water on a multi floor building is on the floors.
A BFP provides a “ overall building check and a valve that will allow system flow,“ but if followed by a riser check- BFP test can be done, along with the drain test

James Art, Fire Protection Engr

8/27/2025 05:04:33 pm

"Minimum Code"
This is another example of why FPE involvement is valuable:
A sprinkler contractor has incentives to do the project as cheap as possible, and leave out things that make the system more dependable, more reliable, easier to maintain or modify, or just better.
The Contractor may want to be the low bidder to get the work,
or may make more by providing less.
IF a check valve is SPECIFIED, then all the bidders are on equal footing.
There are MANY similar items:
For Example, a spec warehouse with higher density, or a place to add a fire pump if a future occupant wants high pile storage, OR plugged outlets for if a future suspended ceiling.

I've seen shopping centers sprinklered only at the underside of the roof, so the Tenant's contractor has to add saddles for new ceilings below.

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Why Use a Riser Check on a Shotgun Riser?

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