Fire Pump Installation, Service & Testing | Ontario

Commercial Fire Pump testing & service is necessary to ensure your fire pump system will deliver the required pressure to your sprinkler system when required.

24/7 Emergency Repairs on All Fire Suppression Systems Call: (905) 562-7575

Commercial Fire Pumps

The fire pump is a crucial element to a building’s fire sprinkler system. Fire pumps are typically made with no-corrosive internal parts to avoid clogging due to corrosion. To avoid cavitation and to have a stable system pressure, the fire pumps are designed specifically for adequate water supply purposes, with strict requirements. Fire pumps deliver water to the sprinkler in the event of a fire. NFPA and local fire departments require diesel and electric fire pumps to be run and maintained with accurate maintenance and testing records.

Stevenson Sprinkler can test and maintain your fire pump system to ensure it will work properly when needed.

Annual Fire Pump Flow Test

In order to measure a fire pump’s flow and pressure, a pump flow test is required by NFPA 25 to be done annually.

How To Conduct an Annual Fire Pump Flow Test

Fire-pump testing proceeds as follows:

• Attach hoses to the discharge test header and run the hoses to a safe location where the flow of water will cause no damage
• Take pressure readings as the fire pump is run through its various stages
• Record and store the results
• Compare the test results against factory specifications and the test results from previous years

If there is a significant reduction in the pump’s performance, further examination is needed to make the necessary repairs.

Monthly Fire Pump Churn (aka No Flow) Test

NFPA 25 requires electric motor driven fire pumps to be operated monthly. 

The monthly no-flow test procedure is as follows:

• The fire pump is run for a minimum of 10 minutes.
• The readings on the suction & discharge pressure gauges are recorded
• All the packing glands are checked for any discharge
• If necessary, the gland nuts are adjusted
• Listen for unusual noise or vibration, this is where experience counts
• Packing boxes, bearings and pump casing are checked for overheating
• Fire pump starting pressure is recorded

The results of all of the above are analyzed to determine if any further investigation is warranted.

Weekly Fire Pump Test for Diesel Driven Pumps

The pump should be run for a minimum of 30 minutes. This allows all running components to warm up and stabilize. which drives off condensation and moisture that can shorten the life of the engine components.

The weekly test procedure is as follows:

• Record the pressure at which the pump automatically started.
• Observe how long it takes the engine to crank and once started how long it takes to reach running speed.
• Record the pump suction and discharge pressures.
• Check fuel tank levels and top up if less than 2/3 full
• Check that all fuel links are locked open
• Check engine oil levels
• Check that battery and charger are operational
• Check that the engine cooling systems is operational
• Check that the engine gauges are working properly.

Ontario Fire Pump Testing & Maintenance

If a fire pump is not tested and serviced properly, the repair bills can become astronomical. Since fire pumps are typically kept out of the way and hopefully not used very often, fire-pump maintenance becomes extremely important to ensure the fire pump operates correctly in the event of a fire.

Stevenson Sprinkler & Fire Protection will test your fire pumps and ensure that they are functioning properly. Our Ontario team of fire specialists have over 35 years of experience in servicing fire sprinkler systems and all their components.

Call Today for a Free Quote: (905) 562-7575