Fire hydrants are a critical component of Ontario’s fire protection infrastructure, yet many property owners, designers, and facility managers are unclear about what NFPA 25 actually requires for hydrant inspection, testing, and maintenance.
This guide explains:
What NFPA 25 says about fire hydrants
How often hydrants must be inspected and tested
The difference between inspection, testing, and maintenance
How NFPA 25 is applied in Ontario under the Ontario Fire Code
If you are responsible for fire safety compliance, this article will help you understand your obligations clearly and confidently.
Looking for a Fire flow test provider in Ontario? Contact us today for a free, no obligation Quotation.
What Is NFPA 25?
NFPA 25 – Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems is the primary North American standard governing ongoing fire protection system reliability.
NFPA 25 applies to:
Fire hydrants
Fire sprinkler systems
Standpipe systems
Fire pumps
Water storage tanks
In Ontario, NFPA 25 is widely adopted and enforced through the Ontario Fire Code, making it the reference standard for hydrant inspection and testing expectations.
Is NFPA 25 the Standard for Fire Hydrants?
Yes. NFPA 25 is the primary standard for fire hydrant inspection, testing, and maintenance.
However, it works alongside:
NFPA 291 – for fire flow testing procedures and hydrant marking
Ontario Fire Code (OFC) – which requires fire protection systems to be maintained in operable condition
Together, these documents form the regulatory and technical framework used by municipalities, fire departments, engineers, and inspectors in Ontario.
Why NFPA 25 Matters in Ontario
NFPA 25 ensures that hydrants:
Are operational when needed
Deliver reliable water supply
Are not compromised by hidden defects
Remain compliant throughout their service life
In Ontario, hydrants are often relied upon for:
Firefighting operations
Sprinkler and standpipe system water supply
Fire protection system design assumptions
Failure to follow NFPA 25 can result in non-compliance, increased liability, and serious fire safety risks.
NFPA 25 Hydrant Inspection Requirements
Visual Inspection Frequency
At least annually
What Is Checked During Inspection:
Hydrant accessibility and clearance
Condition of caps, chains, and threads
Signs of leakage or physical damage
Evidence of tampering or corrosion
Hydrant identification and visibility
Annual inspections are intended to identify obvious issues before they affect performance.
NFPA 25 Hydrant Testing Requirements
Operational Testing Frequency
Annually
Operational Testing Includes:
Fully opening the hydrant
Verifying smooth valve operation
Confirming hydrant drains properly
Checking for leaks during operation
This confirms the hydrant can be safely and effectively used during an emergency.
NFPA 25 Flow Testing Requirements
Flow Test Frequency
Every 5 years (minimum)
NFPA 25 requires hydrants to be flow tested periodically to verify:
Water supply adequacy
Pressure performance under flow
Changes in system capacity over time
Applicable Procedure:
NFPA 291 – Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants
Flow testing provides data critical for:
Fire protection system design
Fire department pre-planning
Insurance and risk assessment
NFPA 25 Hydrant Maintenance Requirements
Maintenance is required whenever inspections or tests identify deficiencies.
Common Maintenance Activities:
Lubricating internal components
Replacing worn gaskets or seals
Repairing leaks or damaged threads
Restoring proper drainage
Painting or marking hydrants as required
NFPA 25 emphasizes that deficiencies must be corrected promptly, not simply documented.
NFPA 25 Hydrant Testing Frequencies (Summary Table)
| Activity | NFPA 25 Minimum Frequency |
|---|---|
| Visual inspection | Annually |
| Operational testing | Annually |
| Flow testing | Every 5 years |
| After system changes | As required |
| Maintenance | As deficiencies are found |
This table is especially useful for featured snippets and quick reference.
How NFPA 25 Is Enforced in Ontario
The Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07) requires:
Fire protection equipment to be maintained in operable condition
Inspection, testing, and maintenance to follow recognized standards
NFPA 25 is recognized as the accepted standard of care for water-based fire protection systems in Ontario.
As a result, compliance is often enforced through:
Fire department inspections
Insurance requirements
Engineering reviews
Permit and occupancy approvals
Who Is Responsible for NFPA 25 Hydrant Compliance?
Responsibility depends on hydrant ownership:
Municipal hydrants: Municipality or authorized agent
Private hydrants: Property owner
Industrial / campus sites: Owner or designated contractor
Even when municipalities perform testing, property owners are still responsible for ensuring compliance where hydrants serve their buildings.
Common NFPA 25 Hydrant Deficiencies Found in Ontario
NFPA 25 inspections and tests often reveal:
Partially closed isolation valves
Poor drainage leading to freeze damage
Low residual pressure during flow tests
Internal corrosion or obstructions
Inadequate clearance or access
Early identification prevents failures during emergencies.
NFPA 25 vs NFPA 291 – What’s the Difference?
| Standard | Purpose |
|---|---|
| NFPA 25 | Inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements |
| NFPA 291 | Fire flow testing procedure and hydrant marking |
NFPA 25 tells you when to test.
NFPA 291 tells you how to flow test.
Both are essential for compliance in Ontario.
Best Practice for Ontario Properties
To align with NFPA 25 and Ontario Fire Code expectations:
Conduct annual inspections and operational tests
Perform full hydrant flow testing every 5 years
Test after water system modifications
Address deficiencies promptly
Maintain clear documentation and reports
This approach ensures hydrants remain reliable and defensible from a compliance standpoint.
Need NFPA 291–Compliant Hydrant Testing in Ontario?
If you are responsible for hydrants on your property and want to ensure:
NFPA 25 compliance
Reliable fire water supply
Clear documentation for authorities and insurers
Professional fire hydrant inspection, testing, and maintenance services can help you stay compliant and prepared.
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