After drafting or being supplied from a water source other than a fire hydrant or the Fire Dept Drafting pit, the fire pump must be thoroughly flushed with fresh water.

After drafting or being supplied from a water source other than a fire hydrant or the Fire Dept Drafting pit, the fire pump must be thoroughly flushed with fresh water.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only if water appears dirty
• D. Only after use

Answer: (A)

When you draft from a water source that isn’t a fire hydrant or the drafting pit, there's a real chance of bringing in debris, sediment, algae, or other contaminants into the pump and lines. Thoroughly flushing the pump with fresh water clears out any stagnant or questionable water and removes particulates that could foul valves, strainers, or the pump’s impeller, and it helps ensure reliable priming and flow when you start pumping. Even if the water looks clean, flushing is a precaution to protect the pump internals and downstream attack lines from contamination.

When you draft from a water source that isn’t a fire hydrant or the drafting pit, there's a real chance of bringing in debris, sediment, algae, or other contaminants into the pump and lines. Thoroughly flushing the pump with fresh water clears out any stagnant or questionable water and removes particulates that could foul valves, strainers, or the pump’s impeller, and it helps ensure reliable priming and flow when you start pumping. Even if the water looks clean, flushing is a precaution to protect the pump internals and downstream attack lines from contamination.