Understanding Fire Pump Flow Tests: 6 Key Points
Updated 2026-11-12 · Reviewed by the Fire Solutions NW service team (28+ years in commercial fire protection)
The annual flow test shows whether a fire pump still performs as designed.
1. Why it is done
To compare current performance with the pump’s rated curve.
2. Water discharge
Water flows through test headers or flow meters.
3. Readings taken
Pressures and flow at several points.
Request fire system testing.
Schedule Fire System Testing →4. Comparison to acceptance data
Results are compared with the original acceptance test and the manufacturer curve.
5. Weekly or monthly runs are different
Those are no-flow (churn) tests.
6. Deficiencies
Low performance should be investigated.
Keep every flow test result — trends tell you more than one year.
References
- NFPA 25 — Chapter 8, Fire Pumps
- NFPA 20
General information only. Your adopted code edition and Authority Having Jurisdiction govern what applies to your building.
Request fire system testing.
Schedule Fire System Testing →