BRANDCO FIELD RESOURCES
Hydrant Flow Testing Equipment Checklist
A complete hydrant flow testing kit must do more than display PSI. It needs to measure pressure, establish discharge flow, connect safely to the selected hydrants, manage the water, and produce a useful test record. Use this checklist to prepare for the specific site and approved test procedure.
Confirm the test purpose before packing. The layout for evaluating a water supply may differ from an individual-hydrant check. NFPA 291 provides guidance for water-flow testing and hydrant marking, while AWWA M17 addresses installation, field testing, and maintenance.
Pressure measurement equipment
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A suitable test cap with the required pressure connection and venting arrangement.
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A pressure instrument with a working range appropriate for the system.
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Compatible, pressure-rated adapters, quick connects, and seals.
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Instrument identification and current calibration documentation required by the test plan.
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A way to identify which gauge or sender belongs to each measurement location.
Inspect fittings and instrument condition before installation. Confirm that the test cap matches the actual hydrant threads; nominal outlet size alone does not establish thread compatibility. A wireless reading does not remove the need for a sound mechanical connection.
Brandco options for remote pressure
Choose the Water Supply Test set when you want a sender, display, and hydrant test cap together. Choose the Basic Remote Water Pressure Gauge set when you already have a compatible cap or connection and need remote pressure visibility.
The Pressure Sender Mini is specified for 0–300 psi and uses a 1/4-inch NPT quick-connect arrangement. Verify that its range and connection are suitable for the intended measurement. Keep the display with the operator who needs the reading, and verify communications from that actual location before the test.
Flow measurement equipment
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A suitable pitot arrangement, calibrated nozzle, or compatible flow-measurement device.
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The manufacturer’s flow chart, calculation method, or required configuration data.
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The correct outlet diameter and coefficient where the selected method uses them.
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A separate measurement and identification plan for each flowing outlet.
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Hoses, valves, and adapters appropriate for the planned test arrangement.
For pressure-based calculated flow, the gauge port must be the correct measurement point for that device. The Dual Wireless Water Pressure Gauge set supports a sender at the pressure hydrant and another at a compatible flow device. Do not enable flow calculation and assume any pressure connection will produce meaningful GPM.
Brandco’s display configuration guide directs users to obtain flow-device information from the device manufacturer. Confirm the configuration whenever the device or nozzle changes, rather than relying on settings left from the previous test.
Discharge and site-control equipment
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A hydrant wrench and the tools required by the approved setup.
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A suitable diffuser or discharge arrangement where required.
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Required hose restraints and equipment supports.
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Traffic and pedestrian controls appropriate to the work area.
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Protective equipment and the required drainage or water-management provisions.
Walk the discharge route before flowing. Consider where the water can accumulate and whether the route remains visible to the crew. Follow local restrictions on runoff, environmental protection, and working conditions. Lafayette’s published considerations demonstrate why a diffuser or particular drainage arrangement may be required at some locations.
Power, communications, and documentation
Charge the sender and display before leaving, check their battery indications, and pack the appropriate charging cables. Confirm sender identification when more than one is used. Where the site or crew requires voice communication, include that equipment as well; wireless measurement data does not carry instructions between people.
Prepare report fields for hydrant IDs, locations, date, time, static pressure, residual pressure, measured flow, equipment details, and test conditions. Keep calculated results distinguishable from field observations. Glendale’s flow-test reporting description separates observed pressures and flow from calculated available flow, a useful distinction for your own report format.
Final check before starting
Confirm authorization, required witnesses, test limits, and staffing. Match the instruments to the planned measurement points. Check that every connection and discharge component is appropriate for the expected conditions, and that the crew knows how the system will be restored afterward. Resolve a missing fitting or uncertain flow coefficient before starting the test.
Frequently asked questions
Is a wireless pressure kit a complete flow-testing setup?
It supplies remote pressure visibility. You still need the flow-measurement equipment, connections, site controls, and documentation appropriate to the job.
Should I choose one or two pressure senders?
One can provide remote static/residual pressure. A second can support a compatible flow-device input or another pressure location required by the test.
Can I reuse settings from the last job?
Only after checking that they match the equipment and arrangement actually being used. Record the relevant settings with the test.
Related resources
How to perform a hydrant flow test · Determine testing crew needs
References
NFPA 291 · AWWA M17 resources · Brandco flow-device settings · Lafayette site considerations · Glendale test-result fields