Steps

Schedule the annual forward-flow test at the minimum flow rate of system demand, including hose-stream demand where applicable
Coordinate with the fire department/AHJ and building occupants for planned water flow and any required fire alarm impairment notification
Measure friction loss across the backflow device during flow and compare it to the manufacturer's rated friction-loss specification
Confirm check valves fully open under flow, since long static periods can cause the disc to bond to the seat and restrict opening
Where prolonged water rationing prohibits flow testing, substitute an internal inspection of the backflow preventer per NFPA 25's drought exception (only valid where rationing has lasted more than 1 year)
Document results and retain them per the facility's inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) records

Known gotchas

Forward-flow testing is frequently skipped because fire-line backflow preventers rarely see routine flow — the annual requirement exists specifically because static check valves can bond to their seats over time
Fire-line backflow work is often restricted to testers with a separate fire-line authorization (e.g., permanent employment by an Approved Fireline Contractor in Texas) — a standard domestic tester certification doesn't automatically cover fire-line testing everywhere
The drought/water-rationing internal-inspection exception only applies during a declared shortage lasting more than 1 year — it is not a general substitute for annual flow testing

NFPA 25 ch. 13 / cross-connection control, fire-line backflow assembly · 5 steps · unrated

Perform and document the annual fire pump churn/rated/150%-flow acceptance test

NFPA 25 ch. 8, fire pump assembly · 6 steps · unrated

Perform annual inspection and 5-year full-flow test of a standpipe/sprinkler pressure-reducing valve (PRV)

NFPA 25 ch. 13, pressure-reducing/pressure-control valves · 5 steps · unrated

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Perform the annual NFPA 25 forward-flow test on a fire-line backflow preventer

Steps

Known gotchas

Related routes

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