A standpipe is an open-ended, metal pipe that can be screwed into a basement floor drain to permit the flow of water back up as high as necessary, thereby delaying or preventing a basement flood.

What is the purpose of a standpipe?

Standpipe systems are designed to provide fire protection water for hose lines in strategically placed locations inside a building or structure. Some older buildings only have standpipe systems while many newer buildings will have a combination system, which supplies the fire sprinkler system and the standpipe system.

How does a standpipe prevent flooding?

A standpipe can prevent a flooded basement. ... A standpipe is an open-ended pipe inserted in a floor drain. It must be watertight so any water rising up in that drain rises in the pipe, not out on the floor. They were popular in the 1950's and 1960's when the county drain system could not handle all the storm water.