NFPA in USA

NFPA 25

NFPA 25 Flow Test and Water Supply Calculators

Hydrant flow, pitot flow, available water, and demand comparison tools for inspection, testing, maintenance, and preliminary water supply review.

4 calculators1 reference tablesFormula-first workflow

Tools

4

Calculators in workflow

Reference

1

Lookup tables linked

Standard

NFPA 25

Primary NFPA context

NFPA 25 workflow

Use the phases, required records, and review gates to move through the standard workflow without treating the page as a loose link directory.

PhasePurposeRequired inputsReview outputsAcceptance gate

Field test capture

NFPA 25

Record hydrant test conditions, pitot pressure, outlet diameter, static pressure, and residual pressure.Static pressure, Residual pressure, Pitot pressure, Outlet diameterHydrant flow, Pressure drop, Flow basisField readings are complete and internally consistent before supply curve screening.

Available water

NFPA 25

Estimate available flow at required residual pressure from the flow test relationship.Measured test flow, Static pressure, Residual pressure, Required residualAvailable flow, Supply curve point, Residual pressure checkAvailable flow is evaluated at the same residual pressure used by the demand comparison.

Demand comparison

NFPA 25

Compare available water against sprinkler demand, hose allowance, and pump screening needs.System demand, Required residual, Pump demand, Hose allowanceAvailable water screen, Demand comparison, Review flagsWater supply screen is ready for NFPA 13 demand review, NFPA 25 reporting, or pump coordination.

Required records

  1. 1Hydrant flow test date, location, static pressure, residual pressure, and measured flow
  2. 2Outlet diameter, pitot pressure, and discharge coefficient assumptions
  3. 3Required residual pressure used for available flow comparison
  4. 4Demand or pump screen used for downstream comparison

Review gates

  1. 1Static pressure is greater than residual pressure for available flow calculations
  2. 2Required residual pressure is not below the intended design or review basis
  3. 3Field test assumptions are documented before comparing against sprinkler demand
  4. 4Water supply findings are reviewed before acceptance or corrective action decisions

Next-step notes

  1. 1Use available flow outputs as a water supply screen for sprinkler demand and pump coordination.
  2. 2Keep the original field test record with any calculated supply curve values.
  3. 3Confirm final acceptance with the AHJ, owner requirements, and qualified engineering review.

Authority basis

Confirm jurisdiction, AHJ direction, and NFPA edition basis before treating workflow output as project-ready.

Worksheets in this standard workflow

Tools in this workflow

ToolWorkflow roleInput basisPrimary outputsOpen

Hydrant Flow Test

NFPA 25

Convert hydrant or flow test observations into water supply screening values.Discharge coefficient, Outlet diameter, Pitot pressureHydrant flowOpen

Pitot Flow

NFPA 25

Convert hydrant or flow test observations into water supply screening values.Discharge coefficient, Outlet diameter, Pitot pressureHydrant flowOpen

Available Water Supply

NFPA 25

Convert hydrant or flow test observations into water supply screening values.Measured test flow, Static pressure, Residual pressureAvailable flowOpen

Water Supply Curve Plotter

NFPA 25

Convert hydrant or flow test observations into water supply screening values.Measured test flow, Static pressure, Residual pressureAvailable flow, Static pressure, Residual pressureOpen

FAQ

What data do I need from a hydrant flow test?+
You typically need static pressure, residual pressure, measured flow, outlet diameter, pitot pressure, and the required residual pressure for comparison.
Why does available flow change with residual pressure?+
Water supply curves estimate how much additional flow is available as residual pressure decreases from static pressure.