In a fire emergency, your fire pump must perform instantly and flawlessly. As a critical part of your fire protection system, the fire pump pressurizes water to ensure your sprinklers, hoses, and hydrants have the power they need to suppress flames. But how do you know your fire pump is working correctly—especially if it's rarely activated?
This guide walks you through the key methods to determine if your fire pump is operating correctly, the signs of potential failure, and how to maintain its readiness according to industry standards like NFPA 25.
A non-functional fire pump is a silent threat. If it fails during an emergency, it can lead to catastrophic damage, injuries, and loss of life. Regular testing, inspection, and awareness of warning signs can prevent failure and ensure you comply with fire safety codes.
Before jumping into tests and inspections, start by recognizing these early warning signs:
Unusual Noises: Grinding, knocking, or whining can indicate mechanical issues inside the motor, bearings, or impeller.
No Water Pressure Increase: If your system doesn’t see a significant pressure boost when the pump starts, something may be wrong with the impeller or motor.
Failure to Start Automatically: Fire pumps should start automatically when a drop in system pressure is detected.
Excessive Vibration: Misalignment or damaged components can cause abnormal vibration.
Leaks or Corrosion: Visual signs around seals, joints, or piping can signal serious internal issues.
Burning Smell or Heat: Overheating motors or electrical faults can be detected through smell or heat from the casing.
If you notice any of these symptoms, further testing or servicing is essential.
To be sure your pump is working, scheduled testing is non-negotiable. NFPA 25 outlines the standard for inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems. Here’s how you can test your fire pump for functionality.
What It Is:
Run the fire pump without opening any valves downstream. The pump runs against a closed discharge, maintaining system pressure.
Steps:
Start the pump manually or automatically.
Monitor the pressure gauge to confirm it holds at churn pressure.
Observe for unusual sounds or vibrations.
Check for electrical issues or diesel engine trouble.
Purpose:
Ensures the pump can start and hold pressure as designed. It also checks automatic starting circuits.
If your fire pump is diesel-driven, conduct a longer (minimum 30-minute) run to ensure the engine stays operational and no overheating or fuel issues occur.
Monitor:
Oil pressure
Battery charge
Fuel levels
Engine temperature
RPMs
Be sure to let the engine cool properly and refill fuel as needed.
What It Is:
A full test to ensure the pump meets its original performance specs, conducted by professionals.
Procedure:
Connect discharge hoses to flow meters or a test header.
Run the pump at different flow points: 100%, 150%, and churn.
Compare pressure and flow against the manufacturer’s certified curve.
Why It Matters:
This test confirms the pump can deliver its rated flow and pressure, a critical validation of system reliability.
Sometimes, a quick inspection can tell you a lot. Here's what to look for in a routine visual or manual check:
Control Panel: Ensure all lights and indicators are working, especially the "Power Available" and "Pump Running" indicators.
Start Circuit: Test automatic start by dropping pressure in the system using a drain valve.
Amperage Readings: Use a clamp meter to ensure motor current is within normal limits.
Pump Coupling: Check alignment and wear on the coupling.
Battery & Charger: Confirm proper charge level and cable connections.
Fuel System: Check for contamination, leaks, or evaporation.
Cooling System: Inspect radiator and coolant levels.
Exhaust System: Look for blockages or leaks.
These small pumps maintain system pressure between fire events. Check that they’re cycling normally and not running continuously, which may signal a leak or pressure switch issue.
Modern systems often include remote monitoring, SCADA integration, or IoT sensors. These tools alert you to pressure drops, motor failures, and abnormal operating conditions in real time.
Benefits:
Immediate fault detection
Historical data logging
Predictive maintenance insights
Reduced manual labor
Even with digital tools, regular physical testing remains essential.
If your fire pump fails to start or doesn’t perform properly, use this basic troubleshooting guide:
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Pump won't start | Control circuit failure, loss of power, pressure switch malfunction | Check power supply, test controller, inspect pressure sensing lines |
| Low pressure | Worn impeller, blocked suction, partially closed valves | Inspect and clean components, verify alignment |
| Overheating | Motor overload, bearing failure, poor ventilation | Check cooling, inspect bearings, verify amp draw |
| Excessive noise | Cavitation, misalignment, debris in impeller | Inspect suction conditions and coupling alignment |
If issues persist, contact a certified fire pump technician or your manufacturer’s support team.
Follow NFPA 25 Testing Schedule: Weekly, monthly, and annual testing helps ensure continuous readiness.
Train On-Site Personnel: Ensure staff know how to start and monitor the fire pump, especially during emergencies.
Keep Records: Maintain logs of each test with pressure, flow, and visual inspection notes.
Replace Worn Components Early: Don’t wait for failure—replace bearings, seals, and belts during preventive maintenance.
Schedule Professional Inspections: Annual inspections by certified fire pump experts will catch hidden issues.
While many checks can be done in-house, certain conditions require expert attention:
Any deviation from performance curves
Persistent startup failures
Control panel malfunctions
Excessive vibration or overheating
Code compliance questions (UL/FM/NFPA)
Partnering with your fire pump manufacturer or service provider ensures you get expert diagnostics and OEM parts, ensuring long-term reliability.
Knowing whether your fire pump is working is more than just checking for a startup—it requires a combination of physical inspections, routine testing, and proper maintenance. By following NFPA 25 guidelines and understanding the warning signs, you can ensure your fire protection system is always ready to perform when needed.
As a leading fire pump manufacturer, Better Technology Group offers both equipment and guidance to help building owners, contractors, and fire safety engineers maintain their systems to the highest standards. Contact us today if you need professional support or want to schedule a full system evaluation.
