Buying the Pump Is Easy, But Knowing Who to Buy It From Is the Harder Part

Buying a fire pump is a major equipment decision, but choosing where to buy it can require just as much thought. A supplier may be involved long before the equipment arrives and depending on the company, may also be part of the conversation when questions arise about parts, testing, service or replacement.

So, what should you look for in a fire pump supplier? We’d start with experience and product knowledge. You also want to know what equipment they represent, whether they maintain useful inventory and what kind of technical support is available beyond the initial sale. At Steven Brown & Associates, Inc., our work is focused on the sprinkler and fire pump industry and our team supports customers across different stages of the equipment lifecycle. 

A Quote Is a Starting Point, Not the Whole Picture

Price matters, of course it does. But a fire pump quote doesn’t tell you everything about the company behind it. Before making a decision, it helps to look at the supplier’s experience with the equipment and the industry it serves.

A supplier that works specifically with fire pumps and sprinkler systems may bring a different level of familiarity to the conversation than a general equipment source. At Steven Brown & Associates, Inc., we focus specifically on the sprinkler and fire pump industry. Our website also identifies experience with standards and requirements, including NFPA 20, NFPA 25, NFPA 14, NEC and BOCA. 

That kind of background matters because fire pump equipment is not something most buyers want to choose based on a model number alone.

Look at What the Supplier Actually Knows

Product knowledge becomes especially important when the equipment or application raises questions. What should you look for in a fire pump supplier? Ask what kind of experience the company has with fire pump applications, installation support and the equipment it represents.

Our team has experience with a range of fire pump applications, including vertical turbine pumps, single-phase pumps, variable speed controls and other specialized applications. We also employ full-time, in-house, factory-trained field technicians, along with qualified office staff to handle customer inquiries. 

That doesn’t mean every project follows the same path. In fact, the opposite is often true. Different installations can raise different questions, which is why access to people who understand the equipment can be just as valuable as access to the equipment itself.

The Product Line Tells Part of the Story

It is worth looking at what a supplier actually represents and stocks. At Steven Brown & Associates, Inc., our fire pump-related product lines include manufacturers such as Aurora, Peerless and Fairbanks Nijhuis, along with other fire protection products represented through our business. 

We also maintain inventory that includes common jockey pump brands and sizes, Aurora fire pump parts and common accessories and testing equipment.  Inventory won’t answer every need, and not every product can be sitting on a shelf waiting for an order. 

Still, knowing what a supplier keeps on hand can be useful when evaluating where to source equipment and related parts. A supplier’s product range can also give you a better idea of whether you are talking to a company whose work genuinely centers on the type of equipment you need.

Don’t Stop Thinking About the Day the Pump Arrives

The sale is one moment in a much longer equipment story. Fire pumps may eventually require testing, repairs, replacement parts or replacement equipment. Looking at what support is available after the purchase can give you a more complete picture of the supplier relationship.

At Steven Brown & Associates, Inc., our parts and services include fire pump repair, repacks and overhauls, testing, control panel troubleshooting and repair, motor repair and replacement, parts and accessories, and replacement fire pumps. Our trained personnel also provide Certified Pump Performance Tests. 

This is one of the reasons we believe the supplier should be evaluated as more than a place to place an order.

Inventory Is Helpful But The Right Parts Matter Too

A supplier may have the pump you need today. But what about the related equipment or replacement parts that may be needed later?

Our inventory includes parts for Aurora fire pumps, along with common accessories such as air release valves, casing relief valves and pressure gauges. We also offer testing equipment and a variety of replacement fire pump parts. 

For buyers, this is another useful question to ask when comparing suppliers: What happens after the original purchase? The answer may involve more than the pump itself.

What Should You Look for in a Fire Pump Supplier Beyond the Product?

Look at the people behind the product. 

• Do they understand the industry they serve? 
• Do they have technical personnel available? 
• What equipment and product lines do they support? 
• Is there inventory available for common parts and accessories? 
• Can the company assist with testing, service or replacement when those needs arise?

Those questions can tell you more about a supplier than a price alone.

At Steven Brown & Associates, Inc., we bring together industry experience, represented product lines, in-house technical personnel, inventory and parts and service capabilities focused on fire pump and sprinkler industry needs. Our technicians have performed hundreds of fire pump start-ups and tests each year, and our team has supported more than 1,200 fire pump and controller installations since the company was founded in 2000. 

The Best Purchase Decision Looks Beyond the Purchase

A fire pump may be the item on the order but the supplier relationship can extend beyond delivery. That is why “what should you look for in a fire pump supplier?” is worth answering before the purchase rather than after a problem appears. Experience, industry focus, product knowledge, inventory and available technical support can all be part of the decision.

At Steven Brown & Associates, Inc., we have built our work around the sprinkler and fire pump industry. From equipment and parts to testing, service and replacement, we support customers dealing with different stages of fire pump ownership. 

When you’re comparing more than quotes, we’re ready for the conversation.

FAQs

What should you look for in a fire pump supplier?

Look at the supplier’s industry experience, product knowledge, available product lines, inventory and the technical or service support it provides.

Does Steven Brown & Associates, Inc. have in-house technicians?

Yes. We employ full-time, in-house, factory-trained field technicians and qualified office staff to support customer inquiries. 

Does Steven Brown & Associates provide fire pump testing?

Yes. Our trained personnel provide Certified Pump Performance Tests and perform fire pump testing services. 

Does the company offer fire pump parts and replacement services?

Yes. We offer fire pump parts, accessories, repair services and fire pump replacement options. 

Why should support matter when choosing a supplier?

A fire pump purchase may be followed by needs involving testing, parts, service or replacement. Looking at the supplier’s available support can help provide a fuller picture before making a purchasing decision.