Procedure When No Means of Forward Flow Test?

6/2/2026

When Inspectors have an existing sprinkler system without a means to conduct forward flow, what is your process for addressing the test?

Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe

9 Comments

Pete H

6/2/2026 06:12:27 am

How is there no means?

Is there no test header, no inspector's test, and no FDC bypass? Or are there no gauges to read?

Either way, it sounds like the process would be "repair/provide means of forward flow testing" to have this system be operable.

Dan Wilder

6/2/2026 07:54:55 am

Inspection Report X
Forward Flow Test - Failed, no means to provide test to full system demand
Recommendation - Install means to provide forward flow test

Forward to Account Manager or Service Sales for bidding and follow up.

This could be as easy as a couple mech tees and hose valves installed at the riser above the backflow.

Kathleen link

6/2/2026 11:12:50 am

We agree with this recommendation. Installing mechanical tees and hose valves at the riser above the backflow is our standard approach for providing a means to achieve full forward flow.

Anthony

6/2/2026 08:18:30 am

Assuming this is a backflow forward flow test? Then if the system was installed prior to the requirement ~ 15 years ago these means do not exist, just do a min drain test. The forward flow test is of dubious necessity to me.

Randy Kimbro

6/3/2026 10:08:43 am

Anthony, as an AHJ, I would respectfully disagree with the "dubious necessity". That annual requirement for a forward flow test provides assurance that the water supply can still meet the system demand of the sprinkler system. More than once we have observed a forward flow test that measured inadequate water supply and found either an underground obstruction or a closed valve at the street. We find this annual test very important.

It is also the only time the backflow valve(s) are tested in a fully open position. The inspector test does not flow enough water usually to fully open the backflow.

As stated elsewhere, NFPA-25 (2017) Section 13.7.2.3 does allow a test at the maximum flow rate possible if the riser is not plumbed for a forward flow. However as an AHJ, when we find these older risers, we require installation of 2.5" hose valves for proper forward flow testing (one 2.5" valve for each 250gpm of system demand).

Jack G

6/2/2026 08:35:32 am

Normally I turn the check valve
tk the FDC around then you can forward
flow thru the FDC) and bring some extra 4 inch grooved couplings ( rubbers have a tendency to get hard thru the years) so when you put them back on they leak. It may also flush out the piping from the FDC .

Jack G

6/2/2026 08:53:54 am

Generally try to sell them on a bypass around the check with a normally closed butterfly valve. If the fdc check is in a space that you could work on it.
If drywalled in , neatly cut it, do your work whether it be " turning the check around, or
making a valved bypass ) and add an access panel for future inspections or testing.
Another way is adding mechanical
tee(s) near the riser ( with valve (s) to perform. The test
Or adding a ( test header ) sized for the forward flow .

Richard C. Iverson

6/2/2026 08:36:57 am

NFPA-25 (2017) Section 13.7.2.3:
Where connections do not permit verification of the forward flow test at the minimum flow rate of the system demand, tests shall be conducted at the maximum flow rate possible.

I would agree with what has already been stated though, if a means does not exist one should be created.

Matthew Mueller

6/2/2026 08:43:47 am

NFPA 25 13.7.2.3 allows for "the maximum flow rate possible" when there are no connections available to accurately measure the flow rate. This can be as accomplished by opening up multiple main drains/ITV's. Obviously, this isn't the best solution, however it's allowable under the standard.

Leave a Reply.

Home
Our Cause

The Blog
The Forum

PE Exam Prep
The Toolkit
MeyerFire University

Pricing
Login
Support
Contact Us

MeyerFire.com is a startup community built to help fire protection professionals shine.
Our goal is to improve fire protection practices worldwide. We promote the industry by creating helpful tools and resources, and by bringing together industry professionals to share their expertise.

MeyerFire, LLC is a NICET Recognized Training Provider and International Code Council Preferred Education Provider.
All text, images, and media Copyright © 2016-2025 MeyerFire, LLC

We respect your privacy and personal data. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence.

Discussions are solely for the purpose of peer review and the exchange of ideas. All comments are reviewed. Comments which do not contribute, are not relevant, are spam, or are disrespectful in nature may be removed. Information presented and opinions expressed should not be relied upon as a replacement for consulting services. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a small commission for orders placed elsewhere.

Procedure When No Means of Forward Flow Test?

Leave a Reply.

ALL-ACCESS

SUBSCRIBE

COMMUNITY

YOUR POST

PE EXAM

FILTERS

ARCHIVES

PE PREP SERIES