A fire pump set preventive maintenance schedule lists the checks and jobs done on the equipment at fixed intervals, how long each takes, and in what order of frequency, so problems are found before the fire pump set fails. This page gives the schedule used in the PlantOps360 task library for fire pump set (electric, diesel and jockey pump), which follows common industry practice for general-purpose equipment. It is also searched for as fire pump, diesel fire pump, jockey pump, hydrant pump.
The maker’s manual and your site safety procedures always come first where they differ. Intervals set by law differ by state.
Fire pump set preventive maintenance schedule and checklist
| How often | Task | Estimated time |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | Run the pump on churn (no flow): at least 30 minutes for a diesel engine, about 10 minutes for an electric motor; record pressures, temperatures and leakage | 30 min |
| Weekly | Check the controller is in AUTO with no alarms and valves are open; check diesel fuel, battery and charger, pump room temperature and suction tank level | 10 min |
| Monthly | Check gland leakage, bearing and motor temperatures, and the diesel engine hoses, belts and exhaust | 30 min |
| Quarterly | Check the jockey pump start and stop pressure settings; check bearings and coupling | 60 min |
| Half-yearly | Check diesel engine oil, filters, coolant and belts; change as per running hours | 120 min |
| Annual | Annual flow test at churn, 100% and 150% of rated flow; compare with the original pump curve | 240 min |
| Annual | Test controller alarms and automatic start; calibrate the pressure gauges | 120 min |
Fire pump set maintenance frequency and yearly workload
At the estimated times, one fire pump set needs about 55 hours of preventive maintenance a year. The biggest single job is “Annual flow test at churn, 100% and 150% of rated flow; compare with the original pump curve” at 240 minutes, done annual. Multiply by the number of units you have to see the workload for your plant.
| Frequency | Tasks | Time per round | Hours per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly | 2 | 40 min | 34.7 h |
| Monthly | 1 | 30 min | 6.0 h |
| Quarterly | 1 | 60 min | 4.0 h |
| Half-yearly | 1 | 120 min | 4.0 h |
| Annual | 2 | 360 min | 6.0 h |
What goes wrong on a fire pump set without preventive maintenance
- Battery or starter faults on the diesel pump
- Jockey pump cycling from leaks
- Fuel degradation
- Valve left closed
What to watch between services
- Start and run test results
- Fuel level and battery condition
- Discharge pressure at flow
Safety and statutory notes for fire pump set maintenance
Run tests and records are normally expected by insurers and fire authorities. Keep the log.
Where a fire pump set preventive maintenance schedule is used
A fire pump set is found in almost every industry. The industry guides below show how it fits into the wider schedule of each one:
- Preventive maintenance schedule for pharmaceutical plants
- Preventive maintenance schedule for food, dairy and beverage plants
- Preventive maintenance schedule for automotive plants
- Preventive maintenance schedule for chemical, fertiliser and petrochemical plants
- Preventive maintenance schedule for cement, glass, ceramics and building materials plants
- Preventive maintenance schedule for steel, foundry, forging and metal plants
- Preventive maintenance schedule for textile and garment mills
- Preventive maintenance schedule for thermal and hydro power plants
See all industry preventive maintenance schedules.
Related equipment maintenance schedules
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- Portable fire extinguisher preventive maintenance schedule
- Fire detection and alarm system preventive maintenance schedule
- Gaseous fire suppression system preventive maintenance schedule
- Foam fire-fighting system preventive maintenance schedule
- Emergency light and exit sign preventive maintenance schedule
- Emergency eyewash and safety shower preventive maintenance schedule
Browse the full list of equipment preventive maintenance schedules (317 types).
Run this fire pump set schedule in maintenance software
In preventive maintenance software, each row above becomes a recurring task on the asset with its checklist, time estimate and parts. Tasks can be triggered by calendar date, running hours, meter readings or production cycles, each completed task is recorded with the person and date, and a failed check can open a work order. For the method behind it, read the guide to the preventive maintenance schedule, or use the free generator to get a 12-month plan for your whole equipment list.
Build my preventive maintenance schedule (free Excel)
Frequently asked questions
How often should a fire pump set be serviced?
In our schedule a fire pump set has 7 tasks: 2 weekly, 1 monthly, 1 quarterly, 1 half-yearly, 2 annual. The biggest job is “Annual flow test at churn, 100% and 150% of rated flow; compare with the original pump curve”, which is done annual. Always follow the maker’s manual where it gives a different interval.
What is included in fire pump set preventive maintenance?
It covers routine checks and jobs such as “Run the pump on churn (no flow): at least 30 minutes for a diesel engine, about 10…”, “Check the controller is in AUTO with no alarms and valves are open; check diesel fuel…”, “Check gland leakage, bearing and motor temperatures, and the diesel engine hoses, belts…”, up to the annual overhaul or inspection. The full list with times is in the table above.
How many hours of maintenance does a fire pump set need per year?
About 55 hours per unit per year at the estimated times in our library, including all scheduled rounds. Use it to plan workload, not as a benchmark.
Is there a free fire pump set maintenance checklist?
Yes. The table on this page is a ready checklist. The free preventive maintenance schedule generator turns it into a 12-month Excel schedule for your list of equipment, with monthly workload hours.