For property owners and facility managers in Perth, Western Australia, a functioning Fire Pump System is the single most critical active fire safety component. It is the powerhouse that ensures the hydrant and sprinkler systems have the required water flow and pressure to combat a fire. Therefore, its maintenance is not optional—it is legally mandated under Australian Standards.
PMP Fire Services provides comprehensive, compliant, and documented fire pump maintenance, ensuring your building meets the strict requirements of AS 1851 and maintains total system readiness.
The Cornerstone of Compliance: Australian Standard AS 1851
The Australian Standard AS 1851 – Routine Service of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment—is the definitive legal guide for maintaining fire pumps in Perth. Compliance is non-negotiable for insurance, legal liability, and, most importantly, life safety.
AS 1851 mandates a rigorous schedule of checks to ensure the pump will start automatically and deliver its design flow rate when required.
Key Maintenance Frequencies
Fire pump systems require attention at several distinct intervals, which must be performed by qualified technicians:
| Interval | Key Tasks & Requirements (AS 1851 Summary) |
| Monthly | Auto-Start Test: The pump must be automatically started (via a pressure drop) and run for a specified period. Visual inspection of all gauges, controls, and battery terminals. Diesel fuel checks and level verification. |
| Six-Monthly | Comprehensive review of the monthly checks plus a detailed inspection of mechanical seals, coupling alignment, control valves, and lubrication levels. |
| Annually | Full Flow Test: The pump must be run under its full-rated load to verify it can deliver the required water pressure and flow rate to the system. This test confirms the performance integrity of the entire pump set. |
| Long-Term | Major overhauls and specific component replacements (e.g., fuel lines, full motor service) are required at 5-yearly and 10-yearly intervals. |
Why Fire Pumps Fail: The Focus of Expert Maintenance
Most fire pump failures stem from preventable issues that an AS 1851-compliant service program is designed to catch:
1. Power and Starting Failure
Diesel Pump: The battery and starter system is the most common failure point. If the pump doesn’t start, the system fails. Maintenance checks include load testing batteries, inspecting terminals, and ensuring the auto-start mechanism functions flawlessly.
Electric Pump: Verifying the integrity of the main and secondary power supply and the functionality of the dedicated control panel, contactors, and protection devices.
2. Performance Degradation (Low Flow/Pressure)
Pump Wear: Impeller damage, casing erosion, or faulty relief valves can severely reduce the pump’s hydraulic performance. The annual flow test is specifically designed to identify this issue.
Jockey Pump: Ensuring the smaller jockey pump maintains the system pressure to prevent the main fire pump from constantly cycling or starting unnecessarily.
3. Mechanical Integrity
Shaft Seals and Gland Packing: Preventing water leaks that can damage bearings or motor windings.
Alignment and Vibration: Correcting any misalignment between the motor/engine and the pump head, which causes excessive vibration, leading to premature failure of bearings and seals.
The PMP Advantage for Perth Fire Pump Systems
Choosing a specialist partner for Fire Pump Maintenance in Perth ensures your system is treated as the critical, life-safety asset it is.
AS 1851 Specialisation: Our technicians are specifically trained in the nuances of AS 1851-2012 to ensure every check and test is performed correctly, guaranteeing audit readiness.
Comprehensive Documentation: We provide fully detailed, clear, and legally compliant maintenance logbooks and reports after every service, documenting all tests, results, and any required rectification work.
24/7 Emergency Support: If your fire pump faults or trips out of service, our team offers 24/7 emergency repair services to minimise downtime and restore compliance immediately.
Diesel and Electric Expertise: We service all major fire pump configurations, including diesel-driven engines and electric motor sets from all common manufacturers (e.g., Ampac, Grundfos, Davey).
Don’t Risk Your Compliance
Neglecting fire pump maintenance is not just risking a system breakdown; it risks the safety of your occupants, breaches WA fire safety laws, and could void your building insurance in the event of a fire. Monthly, scheduled servicing is the only way to guarantee a rapid, reliable response.
Is your building’s fire pump maintenance up-to-date and fully compliant with AS 1851?
Contact PMP Fire Services today for a full compliance audit and scheduled maintenance program for your Fire Pump in Perth.
Learn more about our fire safety services: https://pmpwa.net.au/