Fire hydrants are critical firefighting tools that provide immediate water supply for emergency response. Private property owners in British Columbia are responsible for maintaining and testing hydrants to ensure they meet operational and safety standards.
Otis Fire Protection provides NFPA 25, NFPA 291, and B.C. Fire Code compliant fire hydrant inspection, flow testing, and maintenance services throughout Greater Vancouver.
There are two primary hydrant types used in the Lower Mainland:
- Dry Barrel Hydrants: Valve is below frost line; used in cold climates.
- Wet Barrel Hydrants: Always charged with water; used in warmer climates.
The colour of the hydrant bonnet/cap indicates available water flow:
- Class AA (Blue): 1500 gpm+ (5678+ lpm)
- Class A (Green): 1000–1499 gpm (3785–5674 lpm)
- Class B (Orange): 500–999 gpm (1893–3782 lpm)
- Class C (Red): Less than 500 gpm (up to 1893 lpm)
Private hydrants must be inspected annually, and after every use. Dry barrel and wet barrel hydrants must be checked for:
- Water presence in the barrel
- Drainage capability
- Barrel cracks or damage
- Leakage at ports or caps
- Outlet thread and operating nut condition
- Tightness of caps and fittings
- Availability of operating wrench
NFPA 25: 7.2.2.4
Our technicians perform a full hydrant inspection checklist which includes:
- Operational testing of hydrant valves
- Hydrant flow testing (static, residual, and pitot pressure readings)
- Rate-of-discharge verification
- Inspection of hydrant threads and outlets
- Checking mechanical parts for wear or damage
- Main flushing and debris removal
- Inspection of shut-off valve functionality
- Measurement of water main size and hydrant elevation
- Final detailed testing report
Our team records all inspection data for fire department requirements and future audits.
The hydrant flow test measures system capacity and pressure performance. During testing, our technicians document:
- Date and time of flow test
- Hydrant location and identification
- Static pressure
- Residual pressure under flow
- Flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm)
- Hydrant outlet size and type
- Elevation and water main diameter
Flow testing ensures hydrants meet firefighting requirements and local city standards.
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Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, Delta, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Langley, New Westminster, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Abbotsford, Mission, and Chilliwack.
Contact Otis Fire Protection to schedule your annual hydrant inspection, maintenance, or flow test in Vancouver.
NFPA 25 requires annual inspection and testing, and after every operation.
Yes. Municipalities require annual hydrant flow testing to ensure readiness and adequate water supply.
Yes. We inspect and maintain private hydrants on commercial, industrial, and residential properties.
Yes. We provide detailed NFPA-compliant reports required by fire departments and municipalities.
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