Top Tips on Maintenance of Fire Hydrants

Fire fighting equipments are not something that we use on a regular basis but they come in as quite a lifesaver during fire accidents. They play a major role in protecting people and business safe at all times wherever they work or live. A fire hydrant is one such important system which can make a major difference in saving life and property damage.

Fire hydrants are equipments used to supplement the water supply during any fire outbreak or for refilling tank of any fire fighting appliance. Their regular maintenance is extremely important to ensure that they function smoothly and efficiently in case any emergency falls and these systems need to be used.

If these systems are installed on a public land, their maintenance responsibility lies with the local governing body. They must regularly inspect and maintain them to keep them in optimum condition. However, in case they are on private property, it is the responsibility of the land owner or the tenant residing there to keep these systems in perfect working condition. Most fire safety companies specialize in maintaining them and are available for hiring to take care of the equipment for you.

These hydrants should be ideally inspected every six months or twice a year. It is recommended that private owners keep records of each inspection and maintenance so that they face no hassle with any fire commissioner, any local provincial inspector or with any other local personnel of authority.
During an inspection, a critical check-up is done for any potential problems some of which may be:-

• Checking for any obstructions in utility poles, walls, or even fences which are too near the hydrants.
• Checking for the proper direction of the outlets for pumper to hydrant connections.
• The gap between the ground and the hydrant outlets should have sufficient clearance.
• There should be no damage caused to a public unit or even private because of any traffic accident.
• The operating stem should easily turn.
• There should be no obstruction or blockage like bottles, rocks etc. inside the hydrant restricting flow of water.
• The drains should function properly when the unit is closed.

It is important to note that a hydrant is located below the ground for connecting to the water mains and thus it has both, below ground and above ground inspection. The above ground inspection includes checking the hydrant frame, cover and surrounding surface. Any information and marker post on it should be correct and clearly visible. If faded, they should be repainted.
The below ground inspection implies checking of hydrant pit along with whole of the hydrant for any leakage or cleaning. The flow test and the pressure test should also be done periodically with requisite permissions. Sometimes flushing of hydrants is also done to ensure it is opened and closed with great ease at times of need.