What is the primary purpose of a standpipe system?

The primary purpose of a standpipe system is to provide access to water supplies for firefighting. Standpipes are vertical pipes installed in buildings that supply water to firefighters through hose connections at various floors. This system is crucial in tall buildings where portable fire extinguishers may not be sufficient to combat a fire effectively. By allowing firefighters immediate access to an adequate water supply, standpipe systems enhance the ability to control and extinguish fires, ensuring that they can respond promptly and effectively.

While other options touch on functions related to fire safety, they do not capture the essential role that standpipes play in enhancing fire response capability. For instance, supporting high-pressure extinguishing systems focuses on another aspect of fire suppression but doesn't directly describe the role of standpipes. Draining excess fluids is not associated with the function of a standpipe system, as it is designed to deliver water, not remove it. Temporary fire suppression may be a practical use of the water supplied by standpipes, but the primary purpose remains the provision of accessible water for firefighting efforts.