Fire pumps are a vital component of any building’s fire protection system. They ensure that water pressure is adequate and reliable when a sprinkler or standpipe system activates during a fire. But like any mechanical equipment, fire pumps require regular inspection, testing, and maintenance to perform as expected during an emergency.
One of the most common and critical questions in fire safety maintenance is: how often should a fire pump be serviced? This article provides a detailed answer based on industry standards, particularly NFPA 25, and offers best practices to keep your fire pump system in top shape.
Fire pumps are not used daily, but their performance must be immediate and flawless when needed. Failure or delay can mean the difference between a small fire being extinguished quickly or an uncontrollable disaster. Regular servicing ensures:
Compliance with fire safety codes and insurance requirements
Extended equipment lifespan
Early detection of faults
Reduced risk of emergency failure
Lower repair and replacement costs
Even if the fire pump is not in regular use, mechanical parts can degrade over time, seals can leak, and batteries can lose charge. Servicing prevents such issues from becoming critical failures.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. It provides a comprehensive schedule for fire pump servicing.
