Explain what a riser is in terms of piping.

A riser refers to a vertical section of pipe that is specifically designed to transport fluids from one level to another. This is a critical function within piping systems, particularly in multi-story buildings where fluids, such as water, heating agents, or other types of gases and liquids, need to be moved vertically to serve different floors or sections of the structure.

Risers play an essential role in ensuring that systems like plumbing, HVAC, and fire protection operate efficiently by facilitating the upward or downward movement of these fluids. They are often strategically placed to optimize flow dynamics and minimize pressure drops, taking into consideration factors such as gravity and fluid friction within the piping system.

Understanding the function of a riser is crucial for a steamfitter or pipefitter, as it impacts system design, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of piping systems in various applications.