Allow a Maintenance Hose Upstream of Jockey?

12/24/2024

I have a project where the Specifying Engineer has noted to have a small hose connection for periodic (maybe every 6 months) building maintenance use to wash down a water intake filter.

They have specified that it be fed from the jockey pump upstream of the jockey discharge check valve and connection to the fire pump connection, so it would seem that it would not really affect the fire protection system or fire pump discharge.

However, I don't think it is a good idea, and I think a separate pump for building maintenance should be provided.

Looking to see if there is any code reference I can use for backup as common sense doesn't always work or maybe I am wrong.

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7 Comments

Glenn Berger

12/24/2024 08:16:43 am

If I am reading your question correctly, the hose connection is downstream of the jockey pump, but upstream of the discharge check valve.

Sounds like there is no water pressure available for the minimal maintenance activities required. I do not believe that there is a violation of any NFPA standard here.

Consult with the appropriate municipality as this may be a violation of local regulations.

Piers Johnson

12/24/2024 10:16:41 am

Water supply is from a pond, it is a vertical turbine pump with a submersible jockey pump.

No concern with the water utility or metering.

Adam

12/24/2024 08:22:58 am

Where is the water drawn from? If from a Municipal system, Fire Protection water is not metered, at least not in my part of the world, and this set-up would basically be allowing the building owner to steal water by by-passing the meter for their own operational purposes, which I am positive the Municipality would not be happy with!

Daniel Ricker

12/24/2024 08:31:08 am

Jockey pump is not required per nfpa 20. It is a pump that is not required to even be listed. While not common, I have seen this approach used on industrial/larger sites before.

Taking water off of it would present no code issues, but may be a sticking point with the water utility if it is not metered.

Jose Figueroa

12/24/2024 09:37:04 am

NFPA 20 (2025)
4.27.1
For pressure-actuated fire pumps, a means to maintain the pressure in the fire protection system shall be provided in accordance with one of the following:
(1) A jockey pump
(2) A water mist positive displacement pumping unit in accordance with 8.5.7.2
(3)Another approved means that is not the main fire pump
4.27.2.2*
The jockey pump shall be sized to replenish the fire protection system pressure due to allowable leakage and normal drops in pressure.

Etc. Etc.

Jose Figueroa

12/24/2024 10:28:52 am

I apologize, but I am unclear about where the maintenance water originates in your question. I am also confident that the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and the local municipality would not support this practice.

As a fire protection engineer, I learned that using water from the main fire pump system or any part of the fire protection system for maintenance purposes was prohibited. Once, I observed maintenance personnel using small fire hoses from the standpipe system, and the poor guys were fired.

However, practices evolve, Using water from these systems contradicts NFPA standards, as it undermines the integrity and reliability of the fire protection system. For detailed specifications, refer to NFPA 25, which outlines water-based fire protection systems' inspection, testing, and maintenance.

Jack G

12/24/2024 01:58:34 pm

As Mentioned above, the water supply is from a pond with a submersible jockey pump.
NFPA 20 has specific points to hit when setting the pump. Example the jockey discharge should be at least 10 psi higher than the fire pump. The capacity should be at least 1% of the fire pump and if the underground mains are pressurized the capacity should take into account additional gpm s for leakage.
The submersible jockeys have a curve that allows different pressure variations. ( I nicknamed them “ infinity “ pumps 50 years ago. ) so care should be taken with the wiring and voltage.
Most install into pvc sleeves to keep the motor from overheating.
For a pond installation we would build a sizable sump with shaker screens to cut down on clogging ( for both pumps)
From memory the wiring that is connected to the submersible is what they call a “ water proof “ connection, and that connection was not ul listed or approved. ( I recall many discussions with the AHJ electrical inspectors)
The jockey discharge should have a properly sized relief valve. ( after the check and before — after to relieve pressure build up when using the proposed service valve before the check )
The jockey pump is classified a maintenance pump and needs no listing. However the controller and wiring does.
With that said a valve tap before the check- with the required relief valve ) could be added for pump room screen, sump screen maintenance and hose down of the area.
A pressure regulator might need to be added to the service hose as a fire pump / jockey pump is usually a high pressure and whatever you are cleaning could be damaged. A lot of “ screens/ louvers “ have a max 90 psi for cleaning with a pressure washer, which in essence is what the engineer is trying to do.

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Allow a Maintenance Hose Upstream of Jockey?

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