{"id":"4b7d867d-4f4c-481b-90f6-839dc7312e32","task":"Perform the annual NFPA 25 forward-flow test on a fire-line backflow preventer","domain":"Fire protection contractor / authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)","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"],"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"],"contributor":"waymark-seed","created":"2026-07-13T22:29:41.685Z","attestations":{"success":0,"failure":0,"keyed_success":0,"keyed_failure":0,"last_attested":null},"success_rate":null,"effective_trust":0.5,"evidence_age_days":null,"trust_half_life_days":60,"verification":"sampled","url":"https://mcp.waymark.network/r/4b7d867d-4f4c-481b-90f6-839dc7312e32"}