Installation and Inspection Practices
Installation and Inspection Practices covers what happens after design: pipe installation, hydrostatic testing, flushing, hanger and bracing, and NFPA 25 inspection, testing, and maintenance. The exam rewards sequencing and documentation.
Acceptance
Flush underground mains before connection. Hydrostatically test at 200 psi for 2 hours where working pressure is 150 psi or less; for higher pressure, test at 50 psi above working pressure. Dry-pipe systems also need an air test. Verify valve supervision, alarm and drain tests, and record results.
ITM
NFPA 25: monthly valve status, quarterly alarm test, annual main drain flow test, annual trip test for dry pipe, and 5-year internal inspection. Compare main drain results to baseline.
Worked example
Main drain: static 80 psi, residual 62 psi; prior 78/70. The larger residual drop points to a partly closed valve, obstructed strainer, or degraded supply. Do not sign off; investigate and retest.
Traps
Skipping flushing; testing at only 150 psi; using air instead of water; painting sprinkler heads; no baseline main drain; missing spare-head cabinet.