The fire water pump is a vital part of any fire protection system. They are required by NFPA for every facility and help to maintain proper water pressure during emergency situations. While the specifics of a fire water pump vary from structure to structure, there are some general maintenance and testing considerations that are universal.
The water supply and pump should be tested regularly for automatic starting and seamless operation (without water). They should also be fully flow tested annually to ensure that they are still delivering water at the flow rates they were designed for. The annual full flow test includes testing at churn and at 150% of the rated maximum flow.
In order to properly select a fire water pump for your new or used truck, look at the PSI and GPM ratings. The PSI is the water pressure that will be exerted on the nozzle and hoses, and the GPM is how much water the pump will put out at this pressure.
The design and sizing of fire water pumps should be done by a fire safety professional and must follow the NFPA standards and local codes (AHJ). There are many factors to consider, including how much pressure is needed and the available water supply at that location.
A well-maintained fire water system can make a huge difference in the speed of response, and the ability to extinguish a fire quickly and effectively. One easy way to help keep your system in good working condition is to keep the water tanks located above ground level. This helps with gravity pressure and makes it easier to move the pumps in case of an emergency. Another is to always roll out the hoses instead of unfolding them. This will help them last longer and prevent snags or kinks. Finally, keeping a tarp over the tanks during the fall and winter months will keep leaves, pine needles and windblown debris from getting on the fire water pump components and intakes.