Fire Hydrant Flow Test Inspection Process

The proper method of conducting a fire hydrant flow test is to use two hydrants in the vicinity of the property. The static pressure should be measured on the hydrant in front of or nearest to the property and the water allowed to flow from the hydrant next nearest the property, preferably the one farthest from the source of supply if the main is fed only one way. The residual pressure will be that indicated at the hydrant where water is not flowing. Referring to Figure A-9-2.1, the method of conducting the flow tests is as follows;



Test Procedure

1. All flow tests shall be conducted during the “peak” water demand times. Peak water demand for the City of Peoria has been determined by the water department to be Monday thru Friday between the hours of 6:30 am and 7:30 am. 

2. Call (623) 773-7279 to schedule all fire hydrant flow tests. An inspector will schedule your test for the first available date.

3. All necessary precautions shall be taken to avoid any damage that the flow test may incur. It is the responsibility of the individuals whom are conducting the flow test to cleanup and or repair any damage that occurs.

4. Open a 2.5 inch discharge outlet and flow water from the hydrant. Flow hydrant until the water is clear.

5. Attach a gauge to the 2.5 inch discharge outlet on the hydrant in front of or nearest to the property.

6. Ensure all non used caps on fire hydrant are tight and secure before opening any fire hydrant.

7. Fully open the hydrant to obtain static pressure.

8.  Attach an approved flow test diffuser* to one of the 2.5 inch discharge outlets of the flow hydrant. 

*flow test diffuser - An approved flow test diffuser is a special tool that is specifically designed for conducting fire hydrant flow tests. It has a built-in pitot tube and pressure gauge. By diffusing the water flowing from the hydrant it minimizes water damage. Because this device is firmly affixed to the flow hydrant it will produce a more accurate reading of the pitot pressure than that of old conventional hand held methods of flow testing. In short, a very accurate and dependable test result is produced when the flow test diffuser is used to conduct the fire hydrant flow test. 

9. Completely open the flow hydrant and read and record the pressure at both hydrants.

a) When flow hydrant is completely opened read the gauge of the hydrant in front of or nearest to the property to obtain and record the residual pressure.

b) When flow hydrant is completely opened read the gauge of the flow hydrant to obtain the pitot pressure. The pitot pressure will be used to compute the gallons per minute of water flowing.

10. Upon completion of the test, fax a computer generated graph indicating gallons that will flow at 20psi after fire hydrant flow test has been completed. Fax the graph to (623) 773-7295 to the attention of the fire inspector whom witnessed the flow test.

11. A fifty dollar ($50.00) fee will be invoiced to conduct a fire hydrant flow test.