Maintaining Fire Hydrants and Hose Reels

Wet fire safety systems play a critical role in the fire protection of buildings, ensuring rapid response to fire outbreaks and minimising damage. Proper preventative maintenance of these systems, including hydrants and hose reels is essential for their reliability and compliance with national standards.

Fire Hydrant Systems

A site wide fire hydrant system is a crucial fire safety measure which provides a readily accessible water supply for connection by the local fire brigade for firefighting, consisting of pumps, tanks, pipes, valves, and strategically placed hydrants connected to a fire water main.    Each element of the system should be regularly maintained in accordance with the regional / local standards for legal compliance.

Australian / New Zealand Standards

AS / NZ 1851:2021 (Routine Service of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment) details the requirements for maintenance of fire hydrants, including:

• Monthly inspection to ensure correct operation of pumping systems, as applicable.
• Bi-annual inspections review the full system to ensure all elements are present, in working order, there is no deterioration in condition and check the full system for leaks, damage, and obstructions.
• Flow testing and pressure checks must be performed annually to confirm operational capacity.
• Five-yearly maintenance includes a full performance test, overhaul of components, and internal inspection of pipework.
• AS 1851 Certification to confirm conformance of the system.

United Kingdom and ROI

Annual Inspections and testing should be carried out in accordance with BS 9990:2015 (Non-automatic fire-fighting systems in buildings – Code of Practice), a Certificate of Conformance is provided for all compliant Hydrants, tests and checks include the following:

• Checking of pits, frames and covers for clear access, leaving them empty and clean.
• Check integrity of landscaping around each hydrant and that of the pit.
• Check operation of all valves.
• System flush, checking all outlets and inlet connections.
• Full system test, recording of all flow and pressure performance pedestal table.
• Check that all signage is compliant.

Canadian Standards

The Local Provincial and Territory Fire Code and NFPA 291 (Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants) state that hydrants must be inspected and flushed annually and after each use including:

• Water Supply Maintenance: Fire protection water supplies, including hydrants, must be maintained to ensure proper flow and pressure.
• Valve & System Inspections: Valves controlling water supplies should be checked weekly, water systems kept ice-free, antifreeze solutions maintained, and piping cleaned as needed.
• Hydrant Maintenance & Inspection: Hydrants must be operational, accessible, and inspected every 6 months, with inspection records retained.
• Hydrant Repairs & Flushing: Hydrants must have functional caps, be checked for leaks, repaired if necessary, and flushed annually until the water runs clear.

Fire Hose Reels

A fire hose reel is used for fire suppression and emergency response in the event of a fire emergency.  A fire hose reel provides a controlled and continuous supply of water for first responders or occupants to extinguish small fires before they spread. Regular preventative inspections and maintenance are critical in the safe operation of hose reels such as:

Australian / New Zealand Standards

AS 1851:2021 (Routine Service of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment) and AS 2441  (Installation of fire Hose Reels) detail the requirements for maintenance of hose reels, including:

• Monthly inspections ensure the reel is accessible, signage is intact, and hoses are free from kinks or damage.
• Biannual checks and tests involve a dry test of the hose reel operation and system components are in working order.
• Annual testing involves a full functional test, pressure check, and examination of nozzle operation.
• A five-yearly comprehensive inspection includes a pressure test of the hose and replacement of worn components.

United Kingdom and ROI

British Standards (BS EN 671-3:2009) requires a competent trained professional to carry out and certify maintenance, including the following:

• Visual inspection of hose, fittings and reel, checking the surrounding area for leaks.
• Verify free rotation on the reel drum and correct nozzle function.
• Carry out a full flow and pressure check.
• Update signage and service label tag.
• Every five years a hose pressure test shall be carried out to ensure hose integrity at the working pressure.
• Hose replacement or refurbishment should occur as necessary based on wear and test results.

Canadian Standards

The Local Provincial and Territory Fire Code and NFPA 14 (Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems) set out maintenance requirements for fire hose reels, common checks and tests include:

• Regular Inspections: Hose reels must be visually inspected to check for damage, obstructions, and proper installation.
• Flow and Pressure Testing: Annual tests must verify that the hose reel provides adequate water pressure and flow, with results documented.
• Operational Readiness: Ensure the hose drum rotates freely, the nozzle functions correctly, and the reel is easily accessible.
• Leak Detection: Inspections must confirm there are no leaks in the hose or its connections.
• Five-Year Pressure Testing: Hoses must undergo a pressure test at specified intervals (typically every five years) to confirm structural integrity.
• Signage and Accessibility: The hose reel location must be clearly marked, with legible operating instructions and securely mounted brackets.

Conclusion

Regular maintenance of fire hydrants and hose reels system is essential to ensure system and building compliance across all regions.  A certified trained professional is required to carry out the works inline with the local codes and standards.

All FM and building owner representatives should ensure that Preventative Maintenance Log Sheets are available and followed at the prescribed intervals, gaining a certificate of compliance following each system review.   

Dewick & Associates offers expert guidance on fire system maintenance and provides tailored Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manuals, which include step-by-step instructions and log sheets for system inspections inline with the local standards. Scheduled inspections, functional testing, and periodic overhauls are key to maintaining readiness in the event of a fire emergency.

Author: Louise Gardner, General Manager