Underground Water Mains & Hydrants

When it comes to underground water mains and hydrants, it’s vitally important that your building has the necessary water supply to suppress and extinguish a fire, should it arise. 

NFPA and Local Authorities require annual operational fire hydrant flow testing by a licensed professional. This inspection should always include checking to ensure that hydrants are operational and in good condition. After we’ve completed our test, we’ll file a report with the proper local authorities.

Operation-Interfering
Obstructions

Water Flow and
Pressure

Cracked or
Missing Caps

Leaky/Broken Nozzles,
Gaskets, and Valves

Main Valve
Leaks

In addition, we recommend fire hydrant flow tests in order to determine whether the pressure and rate of flow are optimal. We use specific testing to measure the static and residual pressure, including the rate of discharge. This data is then used to find any potential blockages or infrastructure problems in your system. We can also use this information to design the best fire sprinkler system specific to your building’s needs. 

Dry Barrel Hydrants

Dry barrel hydrants are available in three varieties: slide-gate, toggle, and compression mechanisms. In dry barrel hydrants, the water valve for the hydrant is below ground in the hydrant's base. Because the entire water system is below the frost line, no water remains in the hydrant's barrel after it's been used. This reduces the risk of freezing and frost damage to the hydrant. Part of the maintenance cycle of the fire hydrant is checking whether there is any water in the hydrant's base. If moisture does appear, it could be a sign that the hydrant's drain isn't working properly, leaving it susceptible to freezing.

Exercising Hydrants

To ensure the functionality of your hydrants is maintained, you will want to complete hydrant flow testing. Regularly opening and closing the gate valves on your hydrants will help to provide:

  • A reliable source of water when it is needed for fire events by your local fire department.

  • An indication of the amount of flow and pressure available at each respective hydrant in your community’s water distribution system. This information is beneficial for water service planners and your local fire authority.

 Some items to keep in mind when performing hydrant flow testing:

  • Establish a schedule for annual testing of your water system’s hydrants.

  • Choose a safe area to direct flow; water flowing out of a hydrant can damage landscaping, vegetation, private property, vehicles, and even structures.

  • Slowly open and close the hydrant valves to prevent water hammer, which can cause breaks in the water mains.

Because it is expensive to replace fire hydrants, it is necessary to establish a proper maintenance and exercising schedule for hydrants. Remember, you don’t have to be a professional to improve your hydrant with a fresh coat of paint. Many communities seek volunteers from local organizations or students to take on this task. Although it is inevitable that a fire hydrant will eventually need to be fixed or replaced, proper maintenance will prolong the life of your hydrants.

Need Help with your Hydrant Exercising Schedule?

We can help! Reach out to us using our online form to request a callback. One of team members will get back to you as quickly as possible to schedule an introductory consultation and from there we can either help you put together your maintenance schedule or take it off your plate entirely!