A fire sprinkler system’s piping experiences small, normal pressure fluctuations over time from minor leaks, temperature changes, and general system behavior. Without something to address these small drops, the system would rely on the main fire pump to start every time pressure dipped even slightly, which is both unnecessary and hard on a pump designed for infrequent, high-demand operation. The jockey pump is a much smaller pump that automatically starts to top off pressure during these minor fluctuations, allowing the main fire pump to stay off until it is actually needed for real fire flow demand.
| Jockey Pump Condition | What Happens | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Failed or Not Running | Main fire pump starts for even minor pressure drops (short-cycling) | Excess wear on main fire pump, more frequent maintenance need |
| Undersized for the System | Cannot keep up with normal pressure loss, main pump starts more than it should | Similar short-cycling effect even with a functioning jockey pump |
| Oversized for the System | Runs excessively or fails to shut off properly | Premature wear on the jockey pump itself, potential pressure control issues |
| Properly Sized and Functioning | Maintains steady pressure with minimal main pump activation | Extends main fire pump service life, reduces unnecessary wear |
A fire pump is engineered for occasional, high-demand operation during an actual fire event, not for starting and stopping frequently throughout the day to cover small pressure fluctuations that a properly functioning jockey pump should be handling. Repeated unnecessary starts put extra wear on the main pump’s motor and mechanical components, potentially shortening its service life and increasing the chance of a problem being present exactly when the pump is actually needed for a real fire.
Short-cycling can also be a symptom worth investigating for other reasons. Sometimes what looks like a jockey pump problem is actually a system leak large enough that the jockey pump cannot keep pace, which is a different and potentially more significant issue than the jockey pump itself failing.
Jockey pumps are typically checked as part of your regular NFPA 25 fire pump testing program, alongside the main pump’s own required weekly churn test and annual flow test. A technician checks that the jockey pump starts and stops at the correct pressure settings, that it is properly sized for your system, and that it is mechanically sound. If your main fire pump has been starting more frequently than expected, this is one of the first things worth having checked.
Yes, and in systems experiencing frequent unnecessary main pump starts due to normal pressure fluctuation, adding or upgrading a jockey pump can be a straightforward way to reduce wear on the primary fire pump. This is worth discussing with your fire protection contractor if short-cycling has become a recurring issue rather than simply accepting frequent main pump starts as normal system behavior.
This is usually noticed through the pump’s own run-time logging or controller records, or simply by staff noticing the pump running noticeably more often than expected. A fire protection contractor can review your pump’s actual run history and determine whether the frequency is normal or indicates an issue.
Most systems with a fire pump benefit from a properly sized jockey pump to prevent unnecessary main pump cycling, though the specific need and sizing depends on your system’s characteristics. This is a design question worth discussing with a qualified fire protection engineer.
It’s typically checked as part of the same overall fire pump testing program under NFPA 25, though the specific test procedures differ somewhat given the jockey pump’s different role and much smaller capacity.
It’s possible. If the jockey pump also seems to be running excessively or cannot maintain pressure, a system leak large enough to outpace the jockey pump’s capacity is worth investigating alongside checking the jockey pump itself.
Cost depends on your specific system design, available space, and electrical requirements. It’s a modest addition compared to fire pump replacement, but a firm number requires an assessment of your specific system rather than a general estimate.
Firemax Fire Protection inspects, services, and upgrades jockey pumps as part of comprehensive fire pump testing across South Florida.
Firemax Fire Protection | Florida Licensed Fire Protection Contractor | Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach & Monroe Counties | Est. 1998