How do you test a fire hydrant?

Fire hydrants are a vital part of the UK’s fire safety infrastructure. They provide firefighters with quick access to water in an emergency, helping them control and extinguish fires efficiently. But like any piece of life safety equipment, hydrants need to be tested and maintained to make sure they work when they’re needed most.

If you’re responsible for a property that involves a private hydrant, you might be asking: how do you test a fire hydrant?

Why Fire Hydrant testing matters

Hydrants are not used every day, so problems can go unnoticed until an emergency. Regular testing ensures:

• Adequate water pressure and flow rate

• Clearly signed and accessible outlets

• No leaks, blockages or mechanical faults

• Compliance with legal and insurance requirements

  
  

In the UK, BS 9990:2015 – Non-automatic fire-fighting systems in buildings sets out the standard for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire hydrants. This is the benchmark used by professional companies to test hydrants correctly.

The Fire Hydrant testing process

Testing should always be carried out by a competent person or company experienced in hydrant maintenance. The key steps include:

1. Visual inspection

Before testing, the hydrant and surrounding area are checked. Inspectors look for:

• Damage to the hydrant cover, frame or pit

• Obstructions (such as parked cars, vegetation, or debris)

• Signs of leaks or corrosion

• That the hydrant is clearly signed and the lid is painted yellow

  
  

2. Flow test

A flow test measures how much water the hydrant can deliver and at what pressure. This involves:

• Attaching a standpipe and hydrant key

• Using a flow and pressure gauge in line with BS 9990:2015 requirements

• Recording both the static pressure (when water isn’t flowing) and residual pressure (while water is flowing)

  
  

The results confirm whether the hydrant can deliver the correct volume of water in an emergency.

3. Checking drainage

Once the hydrant is closed, inspectors ensure it drains correctly. Standing water can freeze in winter, potentially damaging the hydrant and leaving it unusable.

4. Record keeping

Every test should be logged in detail, including results and any maintenance work carried out. This ensures compliance with British Standards, the building safety act and provides evidence for insurers or enforcement authorities.

How often should fire hydrants be tested?

According to BS 9990:2015, fire hydrants should be inspected at least annually. In addition, operational checks (to make sure the hydrant can be opened and closed) are recommended twice a year.

Neglecting this responsibility can not only put lives at risk but also lead to non-compliance with UK fire safety legislation.

Who is responsible?

For private fire hydrants (such as those on commercial premises, industrial sites, or private estates), the duty of care lies with the property owner or managing organisation. Public hydrants, on the other hand, are usually maintained by the local water authority in partnership with the fire and rescue service.

Final Thoughts

Fire hydrant testing isn’t just a tick-box exercise. It’s a critical part of keeping people and property safe in the event of a fire. Following BS 9990:2015 ensures that testing is carried out to the right standard, with accurate measurements and proper record keeping.

If you’re responsible for a hydrant and aren’t sure whether it has been tested recently, now is the time to act. A professional hydrant testing service will keep you compliant, give you peace of mind, and most importantly, make sure water is available when it’s needed most.