Introduction
A fire hydrant flow test in Ontario is one of the most important fire protection evaluations performed on a municipal water supply. It directly affects firefighter operations, sprinkler system design parameters, insurance compliance, and Ontario Fire Code and Ontario Building Code requirements.
Whether you are a property manager, building owner, architect, designer, developer, or authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), understanding how hydrant flow testing works—and what standards apply in Ontario—is critical.
This guide explains:
What is a fire hydrant flow test
Why is it required in Ontario
Which standards apply (NFPA 25, NFPA 291, Ontario Fire Code, Ontario Building Code)
How is hydrant flow testing properly conducted
How often must hydrants be tested
What the results mean and how they are used
Common Issues Found During Hydrant Flow Testing
Why hire a Professional Fire Protection Company Like Evovle Fire Safety Inc. to complete a Fire Flow test in Ontario?
Looking for a Fire flow test provider in Ontario? Contact us today for a free, no obligation Quotation.
This article is written specifically for Ontario, Canada, reflecting Ontario Fire Code and Ontario Building Code requirements.
What Is a Fire Hydrant Flow Test?
A fire hydrant flow test measures the available water flow and pressure from a hydrant or water main under controlled conditions. The test determines the amount of water available from the water mains at a given location.
During a hydrant flow test, technicians measure:
Static pressure (system pressure at rest)
Residual pressure (pressure while water is flowing)
Flow rate, typically expressed in gallons per minute (GPM) or litres per minute (L/min)
Why Fire Hydrant Flow Testing Is Required in Ontario
Fire hydrant flow testing is not optional in Ontario. It is required for life safety, code compliance, and risk management.
Key reasons for hydrant flow testing are:
Firefighter safety and effectiveness
Verification of available fire flow
Compliance with the Ontario Fire Code and Ontario Building Code
Verification of water supply for sprinkler systems
Municipal and site plan approval
Insurance underwriting and loss prevention
Inadequate fire flow can lead to:
Fire department operational limitations
Sprinkler system underperformance
Failed inspections
Orders from the local municipal Fire Department
Which Standards Govern Fire Hydrant Flow Testing in Ontario?
Hydrant flow testing in Ontario is governed by the requirements of the Ontario Fire Code (Ontario Regulation 213/07).
The Ontario Fire Code (OFC) adopts and enforces inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for fire protection systems, including private fire hydrants.
The Fire Code references NFPA 25 Standard for the inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems as the recognized standard for:
Inspection
Testing
Maintenance (ITM) of water-based fire protection systems
Local fire departments enforce these requirements under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act (FPPA).
Key NFPA 25 requirements include:
Annual inspection of fire hydrants
Operational testing of hydrants
Flow testing at a minimum every 5 years
Flow testing after repairs, modifications, or obstructions
NFPA 25 ensures that hydrants:
Open fully
Deliver adequate flow
Are free of obstructions
Are reliable during emergencies
How to Properly Perform a Fire Hydrant Flow Test (Step-by-Step)
A proper hydrant flow test in Ontario follows NFPA 291 Recommended Practice for Water Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants methodology and local fire department procedures.
It outlines:
Proper test setup
Selection of test hydrants
Pressure measurement methods
Flow calculation formulas
Safety precautions
NFPA 291 is widely accepted by:
Municipal fire departments (AHJ)
Plan Examiners
Engineers
Architects
Municipal authorities
Step 1: Pre-Test Planning
Identify the flow hydrant and pressure hydrant
Confirm water main size and configuration
Notify the municipality or fire department if required
Ensure traffic and safety controls are in place
Step 2: Measure Static Pressure
Attach a calibrated pressure gauge to the pressure hydrant
Record static pressure with no water flowing
Step 3: Open the Flow Hydrant
Slowly open the flow hydrant fully
Discharge water safely away from structures and roadways
Avoid erosion and flooding
Step 4: Measure Residual Pressure
While water is flowing, record the residual pressure at the pressure hydrant
Step 5: Calculate Flow Rate
Using NFPA 291 formulas, calculate:
Actual flow in GPM or L/min
Available fire flow at 20 psi residual pressure (or other required criteria)
Step 6: Restore the System
Close hydrants slowly to prevent water hammer
Drain hydrant barrels
Verify that hydrants are fully operational
Restore site conditions
How Often Should Fire Hydrants Be Flow Tested in Ontario?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions.
NFPA 25 Minimum Requirements (Adopted by Ontario Fire Code)
| Activity | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Visual inspection | Annually |
| Operational testing | Annually |
| Flow test | Every 5 years |
| After system modifications | As required |
Some municipalities or insurance providers may require more frequent testing, especially for high-risk occupancies.
What Does a Fire Hydrant Flow Test Tell You?
A hydrant flow test provides critical information, including:
Actual available fire flow
Water main condition
Pressure losses in the system
Valve status and obstructions
System reliability under demand
Low flow results compared to the previous flow test may indicate:
Closed or partially closed valves
Undersized mains
Tuberculation or corrosion
System deterioration
Common Issues Found During Fire Flow Testing
Experienced testers frequently identify:
Closed underground valves
Hydrant barrel leaks
Insufficient residual pressure
Blocked outlets
Mechanical failure of operating nuts
Inadequate drainage
Early detection prevents failures during actual fire events.
Why Hire a Professional Fire Protection Company in Ontario?
A professional company understands:
NFPA testing procedures (NFPA 291)
Municipal coordination requirements
Proper documentation and reporting
Ontario Fire Code and Ontario Building Code requirements
At Evolve Fire Safety Inc., we provide professional fire hydrant flow testing services across Ontario, supporting:
Property managers
Developers
Architects
Designers
Municipal and private clients
Our testing follows NFPA 291, with reporting suitable for fire departments, insurers, and building officials.
Why Choose Evolve Fire Safety?
✔ NFPA 291 Testing for precise and compliant results
✔ Reliable Hydrant Performance Data to ensure fire protection readiness
✔ Fast Service & Comprehensive Reports for hassle-free compliance
✔ Industry Experts with Years of Fire Protection Experience