Information About Standpipes

What are standpipes?

Standpipes give firefighters water access inside a building.

When are standpipes needed?

Some buildings must have standpipes. The Department of Buildings decides this. It depends on the building type and construction code.

Maintenance of standpipes

Buildings with standpipes must keep them in good shape. The Fire Department requires regular testing and maintenance. A person with an FDNY Certificate of Fitness must do this. For more details, contact the New York City Fire Department.

• Inspection, testing and maintenance: Owners must inspect, test and maintain the standpipe system. This follows the New York City Fire Code, Section 905, and NFPA 25 National Alarm Fire and Signaling Code.
• Recordkeeping: Keep records of all inspections and maintenance on the premises for at least three years.
• Availability of records: These records should always be available for Fire Department personnel.
• Application and study materials: You can get paper copies of the application and study materials for the Certificate of Fitness at:

Address for application and Study materials

Sprinkler and Standpipe Unit
9 Metro Tech Center, 3rd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11202