Hose Testing


Hose Testing

FireFlow Services Inc is one of the area's leading companies in fire hose testing. When you choose to use FireFlow Services, you will feel confident that the job will be professionally done, on time, and we guarantee you'll love the way everything looks when we leave.

We use state of the art test equipment that allows us to test more feet of hose, under varying levels of pressure, than anyone else. Our strict testing process includes:

  • Removal of all hose from fire apparatus and hose storage racks
  • Recording all hose according to size, length, manufacturer, age and pressure test.
  • Service testing each hose length per NFPA and manufacturer's guidelines
  • Recording results of each hose length tested for NFPA compliance and insurance certification.
  • Results are delivered electronically.
  • After testing, repack each length of hose to its proper place on apparatus or rack

When we are done, you will be pleased on the parade pack that we are famous for. So, when it's time to go, your fire hose is ready to go.

Hose Testing Fact Sheet

  • Hose testing standards are covered by NFPA 1962
  • Per the standard all hose is to be tested annually
  • Per the standard even if hose has never been used, but is more than one year old, the hose must be tested prior to use
  • Any hose manufactured prior to July of 1987 must be removed from service
  • Hose should be tested to the manufacturer's suggested pressure, this pressure may very based upon the manufacturer
  • All 4" and 5" non-threaded supply hose must have locking couplings
  • The test will be performed in the following sequence:
    • Physical inspection looking for mildew, rot, cuts, burns, abrasion
    • Linear inspection - hose inspected at each end to verify no delamination or separation
    • Physical test
    • Line charged to manufactures test pressure
    • Couplings marked whole diameter of hose
    • Hose charged to manufacturer's suggested pressure
    • Hose is allowed 1 min to stabilize pressure
    • Visual inspections are performed looking for leaks or coupling movements
    • Hose remained charged for at least 2 minutes
    • Hose is drained rolled and repacked
  • NFPA allows for a maximum test length of 300 ft.
  • Any hoses that are found to be defective during testing process must be marked in the area of the defect
  • Any hose that cannot be repaired should have both couplings removed and marked "out of service".