Jockey Pump Maintenance Checklist
Keep firefighting and pressurised systems stable — jockey pump operation, pressure cut-in/out settings, seal and connection checks, and control verification.
What is a jockey pump maintenance checklist?
A jockey pump maintenance checklist is a structured list of the 10 preventive maintenance tasks — covering visual, functional and record-keeping checks — that keep a jockey pump running safely and reliably. It groups routine checks by frequency, from daily inspections to annual servicing, so FM teams and building engineers can plan and evidence preventive maintenance.
Core jockey pump checks
- Inspect for leaks at the pump, seals, and connections
- Confirm the jockey pump starts and stops at its set pressures
- Record pressures, cut-in/out settings, and operation in the log
What is a jockey pump?
A jockey (pressure maintenance) pump is a small pump that maintains system pressure in firefighting and pressurised water systems — such as sprinkler installations and wet risers — by topping up small pressure losses so the main fire pumps only start on a genuine demand. Without a working jockey pump, minor leaks cause the main pumps to cycle unnecessarily, or system pressure drifts. Maintenance verifies the pump runs on demand, that its cut-in and cut-out pressures are set correctly relative to the main pumps, and that seals, connections, and controls are sound — keeping the system pressurised and the main pumps reserved for real events.
This checklist is one of 25 in our plumbing and water system maintenance checklists, covering pressurisation units, booster sets, storage tanks, TMVs and water treatment — pressure, hygiene and legionella control.
Typical Jockey Pump maintenance checklist
A practical starting point for planned preventive maintenance. Always refer to the manufacturer's O&M manual and site-specific requirements.
Visual Checks
- Inspect for leaks at the pump, seals, and connections
- Check for system leaks causing frequent jockey operation
Functional Checks
- Confirm the jockey pump starts and stops at its set pressures
- Verify cut-in/cut-out settings are correct relative to the main fire pumps
- Check the pump maintains system pressure without excessive cycling
- Check the pressure switch/transducer and any small pressure vessel
- Confirm motor operation and current
- Inspect isolation valves and non-return valve operation
- Verify the control panel status and any fault indication
Record Keeping
- Record pressures, cut-in/out settings, and operation in the log
Download the free Jockey Pump maintenance checklist PDF
Get all 10 tasks as a printable PDF — free, no signup needed. Keep a copy in the plant room, attach it to work orders, or share it with your maintenance contractor.
Typical maintenance frequency
Suggested intervals for jockey pump maintenance. Actual frequencies should follow manufacturer guidance and site-specific risk assessments.
Weekly
- •Confirm jockey maintains pressure
- •Check cut-in/out operation
- •Note any excessive cycling
Annually
- •Verify pressure settings vs main pumps
- •Seal and connection inspection
- •Pressure switch/vessel check
- •Control panel and electrical check
Common faults and issues
Issues to be aware of when maintaining jockey pump equipment.
Safety and compliance notes
Key safety considerations for jockey pump maintenance. This is general guidance only — always follow OEM instructions, statutory requirements, and your organisation's safe systems of work.
Reference standards and frameworks
- United Kingdom
- SFG20 schedules and CIBSE Guide M
- North America
- ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 180 and Hydraulic Institute maintenance guidance
Frameworks commonly referenced when planning jockey pump maintenance programmes. Always confirm the requirements that apply to your site and jurisdiction.
Managing Jockey Pump documentation with PM Assist
PM Assist helps FM and building operations teams search their O&M manuals and building drawings in seconds. Upload your jockey pump documentation and ask questions like “What are the jockey pump cut-in/out pressures?” or “Which system does the jockey pump serve?” — and get source-cited answers instantly.
See PM Assist answer questions about a real jockey pump manual — try the live demo, no signup needed.
Take this checklist with you
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Related free tools
Related maintenance checklists
Sprinkler Pump maintenance checklist
Fire Safety · 12 tasks
Booster Pump Set maintenance checklist
Pumps & Pressurisation · 11 tasks
Pressurisation Unit maintenance checklist
Pumps & Pressurisation · 15 tasks
Circulating Pump maintenance checklist
Pumps & Pressurisation · 10 tasks
Wet Riser maintenance checklist
Fire Safety · 10 tasks
Further reading on jockey pump maintenance
Compliance topics for jockey pump maintenance
Frequently asked questions
What does a jockey pump do?
Why is my jockey pump cycling frequently?
How are jockey pump pressure settings determined?
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