How Often Should Fire Hydrants Be Flow Tested in Ontario?
Fire hydrant flow testing is a critical part of maintaining a reliable fire protection infrastructure. Property owners, municipalities, engineers, and fire safety professionals in Ontario often ask:
How often should hydrants be flow tested?
Is there an annual hydrant test requirement?
What is the 5-year hydrant flow test?
This guide explains hydrant testing frequency in Ontario, what is required annually versus every five years, and how the Ontario Fire Code, NFPA 25, and NFPA 291 work together.
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:
Static pressure
Residual pressure
Available fire flow (GPM or L/min)
The test evaluates whether the water supply can support:
Firefighting operations
Fire sprinkler systems
Standpipe systems
Other fire suppression systems
In Ontario, hydrant flow testing is conducted using procedures outlined in NFPA 291 – Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants.
Why Hydrant Testing Frequency Matters in Ontario
Hydrants are part of the water supply for firefighting, which makes them foundational to community fire safety. Over time, water mains, valves, and hydrants can deteriorate due to:
Internal corrosion
Partially closed valves
Changes in municipal water demand
Infrastructure upgrades or repairs
Regular testing ensures hydrants will perform as expected when a fire occurs, not just on paper.
How Often Should Fire Hydrants Be Flow Tested in Ontario?
Short Answer is:
Operational testing: Annually
Full flow testing: Every 5 years (minimum)
After system changes: As required
These frequencies are derived from NFPA 25, which is widely adopted and enforced in Ontario through the Ontario Fire Code.
Annual Hydrant Test in Ontario (Operational Testing)
What Is the Annual Hydrant Test?
The annual hydrant test is primarily an operational and visual inspection, not a full fire flow test.
Annual Testing Typically Includes:
Verifying hydrant accessibility
Checking caps, chains, and threads
Ensuring the hydrant opens and closes fully
Confirming proper drainage
Inspecting for leaks or damage
Applicable Standard:
Ontario Fire Code Context:
The Ontario Fire Code requires fire protection equipment to be maintained in operable condition. Annual hydrant inspections support this requirement by ensuring that hydrants are functional and reliable.
5-Year Hydrant Flow Test Requirement (Ontario)
What Is the 5-Year Hydrant Test?
The 5-year hydrant test is a full fire flow test conducted in accordance with NFPA 291 procedures.
This Test Measures:
Static pressure
Residual pressure under flow
Flow rate (GPM or L/min)
Overall water supply performance
Why Every 5 Years?
NFPA 25 recognizes that:
Water supply conditions change over time
Annual inspections do not measure actual fire flow capacity
The 5-year flow test verifies that the hydrant and water main can still deliver sufficient water for fire protection system demands.
Is the 5-Year Hydrant Flow Test Mandatory in Ontario?
While the Ontario Fire Code does not list hydrant flow testing as a stand-alone prescriptive requirement, it:
Adopts NFPA 25 for inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems
Requires systems to be maintained, tested, and verified
As a result, many municipalities, fire departments, and engineers require 5-year hydrant flow tests as part of:
Fire protection reviews
Building permit approvals
Site plan approvals
Sprinkler or standpipe design verification
When Is a Hydrant Flow Test Required More Frequently?
A hydrant flow test may be required more often than every five years in the following situations:
New construction or site development
Changes to municipal water mains
Installation or modification of fire sprinkler systems
Fire pump installations
Insurance or underwriting requirements
Requests from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
In these cases, updated flow data is necessary to confirm the water supply is adequate.
Difference Between Annual Hydrant Test and Flow Test
| Item | Annual Hydrant Test | 5-Year Flow Test |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Operational readiness | Water supply capacity |
| Standard | NFPA 25 | NFPA 291 |
| Frequency | Annually | Every 5 years |
| Flow measurement | No | Yes |
| Pressure readings | No | Yes |
| Engineering use | Limited | Required |
Both tests serve different purposes and do not replace each other.
Who Is Responsible for Hydrant Testing in Ontario?
Responsibility depends on ownership and jurisdiction:
Municipal hydrants: Typically tested by municipalities or authorized contractors
Private hydrants: Property owner is responsible
Industrial or campus sites: Owner or designated fire protection contractor
Regardless of ownership, hydrants must remain accessible, operable, and reliable.
What Does a Hydrant Flow Test Report Show?
A professional hydrant flow test report typically includes:
Test date and location
Hydrant identification
Static, residual, and flow readings
Calculated available fire flow
Hydrant color classification (per NFPA 291)
Notes on deficiencies or concerns
These reports are often required for:
Fire protection system design
Insurance documentation
Fire department records
Compliance audits
Hydrant Color Coding and Flow Test Results
In Ontario, hydrants are often color-coded based on flow capacity in accordance with NFPA 291:
Blue: 1,500+ GPM
Green: 1,000–1,499 GPM
Orange: 500–999 GPM
Red: Below 500 GPM
Color coding provides quick visual information to firefighters during emergencies.
Consequences of Not Performing Hydrant Flow Testing
Failing to test hydrants at required intervals can lead to:
Inadequate fire flow during emergencies
Fire protection system design errors
Delays in permit approvals
Increased insurance risk
Liability exposure after a fire
Regular testing helps identify problems before they become critical.
Best Practice for Ontario Properties
Recommended Minimum Frequency:
Annual operational inspection (NFPA 25)
5-year full flow test (NFPA 291)
Additional testing after system or infrastructure changes
This approach aligns with industry best practices, fire department expectations, and engineering requirements across Ontario.
Need a Fire Hydrant Flow Test in Ontario?
If you are unsure whether your hydrants are due for:
An annual hydrant test, or
A 5-year hydrant flow test,
A qualified fire protection provider can review your site and advise on compliance.
Professional fire hydrant flow testing ensures your water supply is reliable, code-aligned, and ready when it matters most.
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