How to Handle Fire Pump Failures During Emergencies?

Fire pumps are the heart of any fire protection system—delivering water under pressure when it’s needed most. But what happens when your fire pump fails during an emergency? Whether due to power loss, mechanical issues, or human error, a pump failure can be catastrophic if you're not prepared. Here’s how facility managers, safety officers, and engineers can handle fire pump failures swiftly and effectively to minimize risk.

1. Stay Calm and Initiate Emergency Protocols

When a fire pump fails during an emergency, every second counts. Immediately:

• Notify the fire department if needed

• Activate backup fire suppression systems (e.g., fire extinguishers or sprinklers connected to alternate sources)

• Communicate with on-site personnel and follow the emergency response plan

2. Check for Common Causes

The failure might stem from fixable issues. Perform a quick check:

• Power supply: Is there electrical failure or diesel engine malfunction?

• Pump controller: Are the settings misconfigured or showing fault signals?

• Water supply line: Is there a valve closed or pipe blockage?

• Air trapped in the pump casing: Is priming needed?

3. Activate Backup Pump Systems

Facilities following NFPA 20 and UL standards typically have redundancy built into their fire pump systems:

• Jockey pumps can help maintain system pressure temporarily

• Diesel backup pumps or secondary electric pumps can take over If automatic switchover fails, manually start the backup pump using the control panel or remote system interface.

4. Notify Maintenance Team or OEM

If you cannot restart the fire pump quickly, contact your maintenance team or fire pump manufacturer for remote guidance or emergency service. Time is critical, so having a direct support contact ready is essential.

5. Post-Incident Review & Preventive Maintenance

Once the emergency is under control:

• Conduct a full inspection of the fire pump system

• Document the incident and identify root causes

• Replace or service faulty components

• Update your preventive maintenance schedule to include the failure point Routine inspections and periodic testing (as per NFPA guidelines) are crucial to reduce future risk.

6. Train Your Staff

Regular training ensures staff know how to react when equipment fails:

• Conduct mock emergency drills

• Train on manual pump start and control system diagnostics

• Provide emergency contact lists and documentation near the fire pump room

Conclusion

Fire pump failures during emergencies are high-stakes events. But with the right training, backup systems, and maintenance protocols, you can handle them effectively and maintain system reliability. As a trusted fire pump manufacturer, we recommend always following NFPA 20, UL-listed standards, and keeping your team trained and systems ready.