07/27/2026
🚒ℹ️Hose testing for August 3rd on Music Mountain Blvd has been canceled for this location and has been moved to an out of township location. 🚒ℹ️
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Monday August 3rd WAFCo will be conducting our annual fire hose testing. This year we will be on Music Mountain Blvd between Ferris wheel Drive and Terrell Road. The roadway will be closed for thru traffic but will be open to homeowners and businesses in the immediate area.
The reason we have to do this yearly…
NFPA 1962 mandates that fire hoses be service-tested annually, before being placed into service, and after any repairs. Lay a maximum of 300 feet of hose in a straight line without twists, slowly fill it with water to bleed out all air, and pressurize to the marked service pressure for 3 minutes.
For complete compliance with the NFPA 1962 Standards, execute the testing procedure as follows:
1. Determine Pressures: Do not exceed the service test pressure stenciled on the hose jacket. Generally, attack hoses are tested to a minimum of 300 psi (or marked pressure) and supply hoses to 200 psi. Booster hoses should be tested to 110% of their maximum working pressure.
Layout Constraints: Lay a maximum length of 300 feet of hose in a straight line without kinks or twists. For hoses 3.5 inches or larger, testing must be done on a horizontal surface.
2. Filling and Air PurgingConnect the hose to the pump or testing machine and attach a test cap with a bleeder valve or a non-twist shut-off nozzle at the far end.Slowly open the water supply and raise the pressure to 45 psi (± 5 psi).Bleed all trapped air from the hose, then slowly close the nozzle or bleeder valve.Secure the free end with a rope hose tool 10 to 15 inches from the coupling to prevent whipping if a burst occurs.
3. Pressurization and InspectionMark the hose around its full circumference right behind each coupling using a waterproof marker. This allows you to check for coupling slippage post-test.Slowly increase the pressure at a rate of no more than 15 psi per second until the required service test pressure is reached.Maintain this pressure for 3 minutes. Visually inspect the hose while standing at least 15 feet away and off to the left side of the hose line. Never stand in front of the open end or straddle the test layout.
4. Post-Test and Record KeepingAfter 3 minutes, shut down the pump, open the test valve to equalize pressure, and drain the water. Check the coupling marks to ensure there was no slippage. Document the results in your department's equipment logs. Any hose that leaks, bursts, or exhibits coupling slippage must be removed from service, tagged, and repaired or condemned according to the NFPA 1962 Fire Hose Inspection and Testing Guide.
