PA Fire Pump Five Overlooked Maintenance Tasks And Why They Matter

1. Search Write Sign in Sign up To make Medium work, we log user data. By using Medium, you agree to our Privacy Policy, including cookie policy. PA Fire Pump: Five Overlooked Maintenance Tasks (And Why They Matter) Callaghan Pump And Controls, Inc · Follow 3 min read · 22 hours ago PA fire pumps are the backbone of any commercial or industrial fire protection system. If they fail, the consequences can be dire, ranging from property damage to the loss of life in Pennsylvania, where compliance with NFPA 25 standards is mandatory. Maintaining Pennsylvania Fire Pumps is more than just a routine checklist; it’s about readiness when it counts. Certain maintenance tasks often slip through the cracks. These aren’t headline checks like weekly churn tests or diesel fuel level inspections. These are smaller tasks — easily missed but no less critical. Let’s examine five maintenance areas often overlooked in PA fire pump inspections and why you should stop ignoring them. Packing Gland Adjustment Over time, the packing around a pump shaft wears down. If not adjusted correctly, water can leak excessively. While some dripping is expected, too much can lead to premature bearing failure or corrosion around the shaft sleeve. Inspect and tighten the packing gland as needed, but not so much that it stops dripping entirely; doing that risks overheating. NFPA 25 doesn’t require this adjustment monthly. But ignoring it too long can take a toll. Coupling Alignment Misalignment between the pump and the driver (electric motor or diesel engine) causes vibration, bearing stress, and seal wear. It’s easy to assume a factory-installed unit is aligned for life — but that’s rarely the case. Temperature changes, foundation settling, and vibration during operation can shift alignment over time. Use dial indicators or laser alignment tools at least annually. Don’t just rely on visual inspection. Air Release Valves on Jockey Pumps The control system of jockey pumps contains mechanisms that remove trapped air from the pipeline through properly designed valves. Oil accumulation inside these valves leads to air pockets, which produce irregular pressure measurements. This can degrade the system pressure stability maintained by the PA fire pump. Inspecting the air release valves frequently is essential, particularly when winter arrives. Freezing can damage them or block their function entirely. A simple cleanout may be all it takes to restore proper function. Battery Testing or Diesel Fire Pumps Battery failure is the leading cause of diesel pump startup issues. Sure, monthly inspections might show voltage is fine, but that doesn’t reveal internal resistance or overall battery health. Use a battery tester that provides CCA (cold cranking amps) readings and replace batteries before they hit the end of their expected life, not after. Always check for signs of corrosion on terminals and ensure cables are secure. Corrosion in Relief Valves and Drain Lines Relief valves and drain lines are typically overlooked — until you need them. During overpressure events, valves may not open if there is sediment or rust buildup. This makes the entire system vulnerable. You should inspect relief valves together with drain lines twice per year to check for corrosion, blockages, and mechanical wear. The flushing schedule for drain lines should be performed when water contains high levels of minerals. Why Do These Tasks Matter? YourPA fire pump system will lose strength when essential maintenance responsibilities are missed. Due to the accumulation, these minor issues create systematic performance failure or performance breakdown. In the case of fire, incidents can produce severe impacts due to a single minor missed detail. The improper selection of shaft packing material enables water to penetrate, causing causes shaft damage and leading to structural rust inside the component. The alignment of couplings produces unwanted stress on motor bearings, eventually leading to bearing failure during operation. A blocked air release valve affects the accuracy of the jockey pump operation, leading to system pressure problems and unnecessary pump reactions. Weak batteries and aged units will fail to deliver enough power at critical start-up times, even during winter temperatures. Pressure spikes that reach valves and drains with corrosion will lead to delayed water discharge. This will further increase the system’s stress, heightening the risk of system failure. System integrity suffers from each problem. A fire emergency does not tolerate mistakes of any kind. A poor connection in the system will result in bad pump operation or even mechanical breakdown. Small maintenance gaps can lead to significant failures. Keeping your Pennsylvania Fire Pumpin top shape means staying on top of every detail — even the ones most people skip. Do you need help finding the right PA fire pump for your setup? Contact Callaghan Pump today. Written by Callaghan Pump And Controls, Inc Follow 10 followers · 17 following Callaghan pumps are what can be said to be reliable for use in New Jersey fire pumps, with specific designs to ensure the best flow of water during emergencies No responses yet Write a response What are your thoughts? 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