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Fire pump inspection checklist

A fire pump inspection checklist and test form for electric and diesel fire pumps and their jockey pumps. Add each pump room and check heat, ventilation, access, valves, leaks and the suction supply, then add each pump: scan the nameplate, record the controller, gauges and packing gland, and on a diesel the fuel, batteries, oil, coolant, heater and run time meter. For a no-flow (churn) test, record the start pressure, time to speed, run time, suction and discharge pressure and speed against the acceptance values you enter. For the annual flow test, record churn, 100 and 150 percent of rated flow against the pump's own curve.

For fire protection contractors, facility engineers and building managers who test fire pumps for owners and insurers.

Written mainly for the US. In England and Wales choose the Fire Safety Order on page 1 and use it for sprinkler pump tests alongside BS EN 12845 and the maker's instructions.

  • Pump rooms as spaces with heat, ventilation, access, valves, leaks and suction supply checks
  • Each fire pump and jockey pump as an item with a nameplate scan and its rated flow, pressure and speed
  • Churn test readings against your acceptance values: start pressure, run time, net pressure and speed, with flags
  • Diesel engine checks and annual flow test points at churn, 100 and 150 percent against the pump curve
  • Packing gland, tag and pump status, impairments, actions and sign-off

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How often should a fire pump be tested?

It is useful when the readings are written against the acceptance values for that pump, the run time is recorded against the time required, and every defect has an owner and a date. The client can then see the pump is ready to run, and the next tester can compare like with like.

Last updated . Facts checked by the SiteSurvey team on 27 October 2026 against California Title 19 diesel fire pump weekly report, City of Oxnard (PDF), California Title 19 electric fire pump monthly report, City of Oxnard (PDF), California Title 19 electric fire pump annual report, City of Oxnard (PDF), Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, article 17 (legislation.gov.uk) and BSI Knowledge: BS EN 12845:2015+A1:2019, automatic sprinkler systems.

How to inspect and test a fire pump

Follow the edition of NFPA 25 your authority having jurisdiction adopts and the pump maker's instructions. Tell the alarm company and the client before a run that will send a signal.

  1. Set the visit

    Choose the visit type (weekly or monthly churn test, annual flow test, inspection only) and enter the frequency your AHJ, insurer or maker requires.

  2. Check the pump room

    Add the pump room and check heat, louvers, access, valve positions, leaks and the suction supply.

  3. Inspect each pump

    Scan the nameplate, record the static gauges, the controller and the packing gland. On a diesel, check fuel, batteries, oil, coolant and the heater.

  4. Run the test

    Enter your acceptance values, run the pump, and record the start pressure, time to speed, run time, pressures, speed and the packing gland while running.

  5. Record the result

    Set the tag and pump status, note any impairment, add actions with owners and dates, and sign with the client.

What makes a fire pump test record useful

Each pump: start pressure, run time, suction and discharge pressure, speed and packing gland against your acceptance values

Warehouse in Reno, 6 October, monthly churn test of a 1,000 gpm electric fire pump. Started at 139 psi, 4 seconds to speed, ran 10 minutes. Suction 55 psi, discharge 168 psi (acceptance 160 to 175), 1,784 rpm. Outboard packing gland running a steady stream; gland nuts taken up, still too much water. Repack within 7 days; pump stays in service.

Fictional example. Record the actual evidence and approved arrangements for your job.

A common recording mistake

Writing 'pump run OK' with no pressures, speed or run time, so a slow loss of performance only shows up at the annual flow test.

What happens next

Fix defects within the agreed time, record them done with a photo, and keep the readings so each test can be compared with the last and with the annual flow test.

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Every question in the fire pump inspection template

An inspection and test record for electric and diesel fire pumps and jockey pumps. Each pump room with heat, ventilation, access, valves and suction supply, and each pump with a nameplate scan, controller, gauges, packing gland, diesel engine checks, churn test readings against your acceptance values, annual flow test points against the pump curve, tag and status, then defects, impairments, actions and sign-off. 3 sections and 147 questions. Follow-up questions and guidance appear only when an answer calls for them, so the person on site never sees the ones that do not apply.

Make it your own: every question is editable

This is a starting point, not a fixed form. Once it is in your SiteSurvey account you can reword any question, add or remove questions, sections and answer options, and add your own logo, so it fits the way your team works and the jobs you do.

Details you only enter once

Add this form to a project in SiteSurvey and it fills in what the project already knows, so nobody on site retypes it and every form on the job uses the same names. Anything filled in can still be changed.

  • Project: the project name
  • Site address: the site address, from the space or the project
  • Client or owner: the project's customer

Site and visit

  • ProjectShort answer

    Filled in from the project in SiteSurvey.

    Fills in from the project name
  • Site addressShort answer
    Fills in from the site address, from the space or the project
  • Client or ownerShort answer
    Fills in from the project's customer
  • Location (GPS)Short answer
  • Inspection date*Date
  • Inspected by*Short answer
  • Building useShort answer

    For example: warehouse, high-piled storage.

  • Service companyShort answer
  • Licence or certificate number, if your state or city issues oneShort answer
  • Rules you work to*Choose one
    • United States: NFPA 25 as adopted by the AHJ, and the maker
    • England and Wales: Fire Safety Order, BS EN 12845 and the maker
    • Other: local rules
  • Type of visit*Choose one
    • Weekly no-flow (churn) test
    • Monthly no-flow (churn) test
    • Annual flow test
    • Inspection only, pump not run
    • Test after repair
  • Frequency required for this test*Short answer

    As your AHJ, insurer or the pump maker sets it, for example: monthly, 10 minutes.

  • GuidanceWhat this is. A record of the inspection and test of each fire pump and jockey pump on site, with readings, defects and actions. Frequencies, run times and acceptance values come from the edition of NFPA 25 your authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) adopts, the pump and driver maker, and your insurer; the form quotes none of them as its own. It does not certify the pump.
  • GuidanceExample of a state rule. The California Title 19 fire pump forms (published by the City of Oxnard) list a weekly no-flow run of 30 minutes for a diesel pump, a monthly no-flow run of 10 minutes for an electric pump, and an annual flow test at churn, 100 percent and 150 percent of rated flow against the pump curve. They say the maker's recommendations are used where available. Other jurisdictions and editions differ, so enter the frequency that applies to you.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • GuidanceEngland and Wales. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 art 17: fire safety equipment is kept under a suitable system of maintenance, in efficient working order and in good repair. Sprinkler pumps are tested to the standard the system was designed to (often BS EN 12845, which covers design, installation and maintenance including water supplies and pumps) and the maker's instructions.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant

Pump rooms and pumps

  • GuidanceAdd each pump room, check the room, then add each fire pump and jockey pump. Run a pump only as your procedure allows, with someone at the controller, and tell the alarm company and the client first if the run will send a signal.
  • Walk-round videoWalk Cam video with voice-to-text

    Optional. Film a guided walk-round on the SiteSurvey app.

  • Pump rooms
    Repeat for each entry. Each one asks:
    • Pump room*Short answer

      For example: Fire pump room, north wall.

    • Room temperature (F)Number
    • Pump room heated and above the minimum temperature you work toChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Ventilating louvers free to operateChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Access to the pump room clear, lit and secureChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Suction, discharge and bypass valves open and supervisedChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Normally closed valves closed (test header, flow meter)Choose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Piping free of leaksChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Suction supply full (tank or reservoir) or city supply in serviceChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Pumps in this room
      Repeat for each entry. Each one asks:
      • Pump*Short answer

        For example: Fire pump 1; Jockey pump.

      • Driver*Choose one
        • Electric motor
        • Diesel engine
        • Jockey (pressure maintenance) pump
      • Pump and driver nameplatesScan a label: manufacturer, model, serial number, rated capacity, rated pressure, rated speed

        Optional. Scan the data plate or label to capture the numbers.

      • Pump make and modelShort answer
      • Serial numberShort answer
      • Rated flow (gpm)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Rated pressure (psi)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Rated speed (rpm)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • GuidanceInspection. Before the pump runs.
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Suction gauge, pump not running (psi)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • System or discharge gauge, pump not running (psi)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Controller: power on, no alarm or trouble lightsChoose one
        • Acceptable
        • Action needed
        • Not checked
        • Not applicable
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Controller selector switch in autoChoose one
        • Acceptable
        • Action needed
        • Not checked
        • Not applicable
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Packing gland: slight discharge with the pump not runningChoose one
        • Acceptable
        • Action needed
        • Not checked
        • Not applicable
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Pump, driver and coupling: no damage, leaks or loose guardsChoose one
        • Acceptable
        • Action needed
        • Not checked
        • Not applicable
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Fuel tank level (percent full)Number

        The California Title 19 weekly diesel form checks the tank is two-thirds full; use your own rule.

        Shown when “Driver” is “Diesel engine”
      • Minimum fuel level you work to (percent)Number
        Shown when “Driver” is “Diesel engine”
      • d_fuel_lowWorked out by the form
      • WarningFuel below the minimum entered.
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Battery 1 voltageNumber
        Shown when “Driver” is “Diesel engine”
      • Battery 2 voltageNumber
        Shown when “Driver” is “Diesel engine”
      • Engine running time meter (hours)Number
        Shown when “Driver” is “Diesel engine”
      • Batteries: voltage and charging current normal, no failure lightsChoose one
        • Acceptable
        • Action needed
        • Not checked
        • Not applicable
        Shown when “Driver” is “Diesel engine”
      • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Battery terminals free from corrosionChoose one
        • Acceptable
        • Action needed
        • Not checked
        • Not applicable
        Shown when “Driver” is “Diesel engine”
      • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Engine oil level normalChoose one
        • Acceptable
        • Action needed
        • Not checked
        • Not applicable
        Shown when “Driver” is “Diesel engine”
      • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Cooling water level normalChoose one
        • Acceptable
        • Action needed
        • Not checked
        • Not applicable
        Shown when “Driver” is “Diesel engine”
      • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Water jacket heater operatingChoose one
        • Acceptable
        • Action needed
        • Not checked
        • Not applicable
        Shown when “Driver” is “Diesel engine”
      • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Fuel supply and tank: no leaks, solenoid and float switch workingChoose one
        • Acceptable
        • Action needed
        • Not checked
        • Not applicable
        Shown when “Driver” is “Diesel engine”
      • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • GuidanceNo-flow (churn) test. Enter the acceptance values from the maker, the pump acceptance test or your AHJ, then the readings.
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Required run time (minutes)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Acceptable churn discharge: from (psi)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • to (psi)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Pump started at (psi)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Time to full speed (seconds)Number

        Diesel: time to crank and reach running speed.

        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Run time (minutes)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Suction pressure running (psi)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Discharge pressure running (psi)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Net churn pressure (psi)Worked out by the form
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Speed (rpm)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Engine oil pressure (psi)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Engine water temperature (F)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Engine oil temperature (F)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Packing gland while runningChoose one
        • Slight discharge
        • Too much water
        • No discharge or running hot
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Noise, vibration, bearing or casing heatChoose one
        • None unusual
        • Unusual: see notes
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Circulation or pressure relief valveChoose one
        • Operating properly
        • Not operating properly
        • None fitted
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • c_shortWorked out by the form
      • c_disc_outWorked out by the form
      • CheckRun time shorter than required.
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • WarningChurn discharge pressure outside the acceptance values entered.
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • c_flagsWorked out by the form
      • GuidanceAnnual flow test. Record each test point and the net pressure on the pump's own curve at the same flow.
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Lowest acceptable percent of the curveNumber

        From your AHJ, insurer or engineer.

        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Churn (0 percent): flow (gpm)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Suction (psi)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Discharge (psi)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Speed (rpm)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Net pressure (psi)Worked out by the form
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Net pressure on the pump curve at this flow (psi)Number

        Read off the shop test curve or nameplate data.

        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Percent of the curveWorked out by the form
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • f0_lowWorked out by the form
      • 100 percent of rated flow: flow (gpm)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Suction (psi)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Discharge (psi)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Speed (rpm)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Net pressure (psi)Worked out by the form
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Net pressure on the pump curve at this flow (psi)Number

        Read off the shop test curve or nameplate data.

        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Percent of the curveWorked out by the form
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • f100_lowWorked out by the form
      • 150 percent of rated flow: flow (gpm)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Suction (psi)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Discharge (psi)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Speed (rpm)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Net pressure (psi)Worked out by the form
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Net pressure on the pump curve at this flow (psi)Number

        Read off the shop test curve or nameplate data.

        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Percent of the curveWorked out by the form
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • f150_lowWorked out by the form
      • Lowest suction pressure allowed at 150 percent (psi)Number
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • f_suction_lowWorked out by the form
      • Pump can supply the system demand on the test curveYes or No
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • f_flagsWorked out by the form
      • WarningOne or more flow test points are below the acceptance entered, suction is too low, or the pump cannot meet the demand. Refer to the engineer.
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Jockey pump start pressure (psi)Number
        Shown when “Driver” is “Jockey (pressure maintenance) pump”
      • Jockey pump stop pressure (psi)Number
        Shown when “Driver” is “Jockey (pressure maintenance) pump”
      • Jockey pumpChoose one
        • Starts and stops at its settings
        • Short cycling or running often
        • Not working
        Shown when “Driver” is “Jockey (pressure maintenance) pump”
      • Tag*Choose one
        • Current tag, in date
        • Tag updated today
        • Tag out of date
        • No tag
        • Red tag or impairment tag
      • Pump status*Choose one
        • In service
        • In service: defects to fix
        • Impaired: out of service
      • WarningPump out of service: the sprinkler or standpipe system is impaired. Follow your impairment procedure and tell the owner, and the fire department, insurer or alarm company where your rules require it.
        Shown when “Pump status” is “Impaired: out of service”
      • What was found and doneNotes
      • Photos (nameplate, gauges, controller, gland, defects)Photos
      • p_flagWorked out by the form
      • p_impairedWorked out by the form
      • Pump resultWorked out by the form
    • r_room_flagsWorked out by the form
    • r_pump_flagsWorked out by the form
    • r_impairedWorked out by the form
    • r_pumpsWorked out by the form
  • Pumps inspectedWorked out by the form
  • Pumps out of serviceWorked out by the form
  • Pump room items needing actionWorked out by the form
  • Pump items needing actionWorked out by the form

Result, actions and sign-off

  • Items needing actionWorked out by the form
  • ResultWorked out by the form
  • Actions
    Repeat for each action. Each one asks:
    • Action*Notes
    • PriorityChoose one
      • Now: pump impaired
      • Within 24 hours
      • Within 7 days
      • At the next service
    • Who will do it*Short answer
    • Due byDate
    • Status*Choose one
      • Open
      • In progress
      • Done, checked
    • Photo when donePhotos
      Shown when “Status” is “Done, checked”
  • Actions still openWorked out by the form
  • Decision*Choose one
    • All pumps in service, no defects
    • In service: defects to fix
    • One or more pumps out of service
  • Next test dueDate
  • Summary for the clientNotes
  • Inspector nameShort answer
  • Inspector signature*Signature
  • Client or facility manager nameShort answer
  • Client or facility manager signatureSignature

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A completed fire pump inspection report, made by SiteSurvey from a fictional site visit: every answer, the photos, the guidance that applied and the sign-off, ready to send as a PDF.

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Fire pump inspection FAQs

What is a fire pump churn test?

A churn test runs the pump with no water flowing out of the system (no-flow), to prove it starts and runs. The California Title 19 forms record the start and stop pressures, the time to reach speed, the suction and discharge pressure while running, the packing gland, noise, vibration and heat, and the relief valves. The form records the same readings against acceptance values you enter.

Sources: California Title 19 diesel fire pump weekly report, City of Oxnard (PDF) and California Title 19 electric fire pump monthly report, City of Oxnard (PDF).

What does a weekly diesel fire pump inspection include?

The California Title 19 diesel weekly form includes a 30-minute no-flow run, the time for the engine to crank and reach speed, oil pressure, speed, water and oil temperature while running, battery voltage and charging current, battery terminals, cooling water level, the water jacket heater, the running time meter and the fuel tank level (two-thirds full). It says the maker's recommendations are used where available.

Source: California Title 19 diesel fire pump weekly report, City of Oxnard (PDF).

What should the packing gland do?

The California Title 19 forms check the pump packing glands for a slight discharge, with the pump stopped and running, and adjusting the gland nuts if necessary. The form records the gland while running as a slight discharge, too much water, or no discharge or running hot, and counts the last two as defects. The acceptable drip comes from the maker.

Sources: California Title 19 diesel fire pump weekly report, City of Oxnard (PDF) and California Title 19 electric fire pump monthly report, City of Oxnard (PDF).

What does the annual flow test record?

The California Title 19 annual form records flow, pressures, speed, volts and amps at churn (0 percent), 100 percent and 150 percent of rated flow, compares the results with the pump curve (the manufacturer's shop test curve, or nameplate data if that is unavailable), and asks whether the pump can supply the system demand. The form records each point and the percent of the curve against the acceptance you enter.

Source: California Title 19 electric fire pump annual report, City of Oxnard (PDF).

What if the pump fails or is out of service?

Mark the pump as impaired. The sprinkler or standpipe system it serves is then impaired too. Follow your impairment procedure and tell the owner, and the fire department, insurer or alarm company where your rules require it. The form counts pumps out of service and holds the actions with owners and due dates.

Does it cover sprinkler pumps in the UK?

Yes, choose the Fire Safety Order on page 1. Article 17 asks for fire safety equipment to be kept under a suitable system of maintenance and in efficient working order. Sprinkler pumps are tested to the standard the system was designed to, often BS EN 12845, which covers the design, installation and maintenance of sprinkler systems including water supplies and pumps, and to the maker's instructions. The form records the test; it does not certify the pump.

Sources: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, article 17 (legislation.gov.uk) and BSI Knowledge: BS EN 12845:2015+A1:2019, automatic sprinkler systems.

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