Annual hydrant inspections and flow testing across the Hunter
A flow test runs water through the hydrant, so you see what it delivers, not just what it looks like.
We inspect and flow test fire hydrants every year to AS 1851-2012, on commercial and strata buildings from Maitland to Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Tea Gardens.
What the inspection and flow test involves
Look the hydrant over
Access and signage, the outlets, caps and valves, and any damage or leaks.
Connect the test gear
A pressure gauge and flow measuring gear go on the outlet, with the discharge aimed where the water can run off safely.
Flow the water
The valve opens and the hydrant runs, so pressure and flow are read with water moving, not sitting still in the pipe.
Check the readings
The numbers are compared with what the system was designed and tested for, the figures on the boost and test pressure sign at the booster.
Close up and record
Valves shut, caps back on, the water drained off and the results recorded.
Hydrant inspection and flow test
- Standard
- AS 1851-2012
- How often
- Annual, with a five yearly hydrant system service
- Buildings
- Commercial and strata
- Emergencies
- 24/7 emergency services
The numbers on the pressure sign
A hydrant booster carries a boost and test pressure sign, like the one in this photo. It shows the pressures the system is boosted and tested to. This one reads a boost pressure of 700 kPa and a test pressure of 1700 kPa.
A hydrant that looks fine can still fall short once water moves through it. The annual flow test is how you find that out before anyone needs the hydrant to work.
Every year, and every five years
Annual
Hydrant inspections and flow testing
The yearly check on this page: each hydrant looked over, flowed and its readings checked.
Five yearly
Hydrant system service
We do five yearly hydrant system services as well, on top of the annual testing.
In NSW, a building with a fire safety schedule needs an annual fire safety statement, and an accredited practitioner (fire safety) assesses each fire safety measure on it. Hydrants are one of those measures, so their servicing needs to stay on schedule through the year.
Hydrants outside and in
Twin-outlet hydrants on posts and pads outside, and landing valves on the risers inside buildings.
Common questions
How often do hydrants need a flow test?
We do hydrant inspections and flow testing annually, and five yearly hydrant system services on top. Your building's fire safety schedule lists the measures that apply to it and the standard each one is kept to.
Where does the water go during a flow test?
A flow test lets a lot of water go, so it needs somewhere to run off safely, such as a drain or open ground. It's worth mentioning access and runoff when you book.
What if a hydrant fails the test?
We also do fire hydrant installs and alterations, so tell us what the test found and we'll talk through the fix.
Do you test hydrants on strata buildings?
Yes. We do fire protection work on commercial and strata buildings.
What about emergencies?
We offer 24/7 emergency services and we're open 24 hours, 7 days. Call 0474 659 574.
Related fire services
Hydrant testing across Maitland, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Raymond Terrace, Tea Gardens and the Hunter Valley.
- AS 1851-2012, Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment, Standards Australia.
- AS 1851-2012 in NSW, NSW Government Building Commission.
- Fire safety certification and annual fire safety statements, NSW Department of Planning.