Maintenance of Fire Protection Devices: Standards, Risks & Connected Solutions

Maintaining fire hydrants and fire valves is critical to ensuring the safety of people and infrastructure.

Though these devices are rarely used, they must remain fully operational at all times. In the U.S., their inspection and upkeep are governed by strict regulations, which are key references for fire protection system maintenance.

The Multiple Challenges of Fire Safety
Fire safety encompasses several critical goals: reducing the likelihood of fire outbreaks, limiting the spread of flames in the event of an incident, ensuring rapid evacuation, and enabling efficient intervention by emergency response teams.

Technical Interventions Exposed to Many Constraints

Most fire hydrants are installed along roadsides, exposing technicians to external hazards and often unfavorable working conditions. On the technical side, several recurring challenges arise:

✔️ Seized fire valves caused by internal corrosion or debris buildup

✔️ Lack of precise control over valve maneuvering torque

✔️ Limited access to poorly maintained inspection points

✔️ Lengthy, repetitive operations that increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which are common in fire network maintenance.

What Is the Role of Manual Valves in Fire Safety?

Manual valves play a crucial role in fire protection systems.

✅ Water flow control: They allow operators to start or stop water supply to specific parts of the fire system.
Example: Isolating a pipe section in case of a leak or enabling quick water access to fight a localized fire.

✅ Maintenance and testing: Manual valves are essential for isolating parts of the network during flow or pressure testing, ensuring the system remains fully operational and ready to respond in case of fire.

It is vital that these valves are kept in good working condition.

Regular open/close tests must be conducted to guarantee they function properly when needed—ensuring the safety of both the facility and its personnel.

For example, The AWWA M17 manual, published by the American Water Works Association, recommends that all fire hydrants be inspected at least once a year. In regions with freezing climates, it advises two inspections annually—typically in the spring and fall—to ensure proper operation during cold weather. 

Maintenance Backed by Strict Standards

In the U.S., fire protection system maintenance is mandated by several key regulations and standards:

• OSHA regulations require that safety systems, including fire protection devices, remain in proper working condition (29 CFR 1910 Subpart L).

• The EPA’s Risk Management Plan (RMP) Rule applies to industrial facilities handling hazardous substances. It requires regular inspections and documentation to mitigate environmental and safety risks (EPA RMP Rule).

• NFPA 24 specifies the requirements for the installation of private fire service mains and hydrants.

• NFPA 25 is the primary standard for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems, including hydrants and valves. It also emphasizes proper record-keeping for traceability (NFPA 25).

Because these standards are enforceable by regulatory audits, maintenance teams must document every operation in accordance with the appropriate protocols.

Fire Valve Maintenance: The Key to Reliability

The large number of fire valves and hydrants in a network can make maintenance a complex task.

The goal is no longer just to check whether a valve turns—it’s about anticipating failures, identifying weak points in the network, and planning repairs or upgrades.

Documenting maintenance helps increase the reliability of the fire protection system, ultimately improving safety:
▶️ Visual inspection
▶️ Full valve operation (open/close)
▶️ Mechanical maintenance
▶️ Leak or flow testing

How can good maintenance be guaranteed?

By carrying out a thorough inspection at least once a year. This includes opening and closing the valve to check for smooth operation, inspecting for leaks, lubricating the nozzle cap, and making sure the hydrant drains properly. If there are drainage issues, the system should be flushed or cleaned. Any faulty parts should be cleaned, repaired, or replaced to keep everything working safely and reliably.

Making Maintenance Smarter and Easier with modec connect

modec Connect simplifies and improves fire valve maintenance for operators. No more paper reports—everything is digitalized, ensuring that no information is lost. All data is collected during the operation itself.

Even visual inspections are enhanced with Modec Connect, as operators can take photos, add comments, and upload everything instantly. All records are accessible afterward for full traceability.

Collected data such as torque levels and number of turns help detect mechanical issues early, before they become critical, enabling true preventive maintenance.

Toward Better Traceability to Reduce Costs

With modec connect, you can generate a PDF report of your maintenance operations with just one click.
These reports are easy to share with your team—or with third parties who require proof of compliance with safety standards or maintenance traceability (such as insurance providers).

In a world where fire safety allows no margin for error, hydrant and valve maintenance must become more rigorous, traceable, and efficient. By integrating connected maintenance tools, it's possible to meet regulatory requirements while improving working conditions for field teams.

Digital maintenance doesn’t replace operator expertise—it enhances it with objective, measurable, and actionable insights into the real condition of the fire protection network.

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