NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, 2017 Edition

NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, 2017 Edition is the leading authority for keeping fire protection systems dependable and ready to perform when an emergency occurs. While NFPA 13 governs how sprinkler systems are designed and installed, NFPA 25 establishes how those systems must be inspected, tested, and maintained (ITM) throughout their operational life. Proper adherence to this standard directly protects lives, buildings, and business continuity.

Adopted by many states and jurisdictions, the 2017 edition delivers revised ITM tables and major usability improvements that clarify responsibilities for building owners, facility managers, contractors, and inspectors. The standard covers all major water-based fire protection components including automatic sprinklers, standpipe systems, fire pumps, private fire service mains, water storage tanks, valves, backflow preventers, and hydrants.

NFPA 25 outlines practical evaluation techniques such as:

• Routine fire sprinkler inspections and obstruction investigations

• Valve status verification and supervisory device testing

• Internal piping condition assessments

• Fire pump operating and annual flow tests

• Forward-flow testing of backflow preventers

• Hydrant flushing procedures

• Risk assessment and performance-based testing programs

• Preplanned impairment reporting and system shutdown management

These procedures help organizations detect deficiencies early—long before a failure occurs during a fire event. The standard emphasizes that system maintenance is far less costly than system replacement and that neglected equipment can render even a perfectly designed system ineffective.

This edition is written for a broad range of users: building owners, facility and property managers, AHJs, fire inspectors, insurance professionals, and fire protection service providers. It establishes clear intervals for weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual, and multiyear tasks, enabling teams to coordinate compliance programs and document due diligence.

NFPA 25 also strengthens collaboration between stakeholders by defining qualifications, recordkeeping practices, and corrective action timelines. Guidance on impairment handling ensures that when systems must be taken out of service, appropriate precautions—such as fire watches and notifications—are implemented to reduce risk.

For anyone responsible for existing sprinkler or standpipe systems, this book is indispensable. Compliance with the latest edition of NFPA 25 maximizes system reliability, extends equipment life, satisfies regulatory requirements, and most importantly safeguards occupants and property.