Private Fire Hydrant Maintenance

Private Fire Hydrant Maintenance

SERVING PORTLAND OR | BEAVERTON OR | VANCOUVER WA | HOOD RIVER OR

A fire hydrant (sometimes called a fireplug) is a valve connection on a water supply system that is used to supply hose and fire department pumpers with water. That said, the NFPA provides the following descriptions for types of fire hydrants:

• Dry Barrel Hydrant (Frostproof Hydrant) - A type of hydrant with the main control valve below the frost line between the foot piece and the barrel.
• Wall Hydrant - A hydrant mounted on the outside of a wall of a building, fed from interior piping, and equipped with control valves located inside the building that normally are key-operated from the building's exterior.
• Wet Barrel Hydrant - A type of hydrant that is intended for use where there is no danger of freezing weather.

What is a Hose House?

This is an enclosure located over or adjacent to a hydrant or other water supply designed to contain the necessary supplies to be used in fire-fighting, generally to provide aid to the local fire department.

What Is The Requirement For Private Fire Hydrant Maintenance?

• Hydrants shall be tested annually to ensure proper functioning.
• Each hydrant shall be opened fully, and water flowed until all foreign material has cleared.
• Hydrants shall be lubricated annually to ensure that all stems, caps, plugs, and threads are in proper operating condition.

What is the time range allowed for satisfying the service requirements of my private fire hydrant? Here are some of the official definitions from NFPA 25 of the frequency of tasks that are required.

• Frequency - Minimum and maximum time between events.
• Quarterly Frequency - Occurring four times per year with a minimum of 2 months and a maximum of 4 months.
• Semiannual Frequency - Occurring twice per year with a minimum of 4 months and a maximum of 8 months.
• Annual Frequency - Occurring once per year with a minimum of 9 months and a maximum of 15 months.
• Five Years Frequency - Occurring once every 60 months with a minimum of 54 months and a maximum of 66 months.

Interesting Facts About Private Fire Hydrant Installation

• When the fire hydrant is located within the owner's private enclosure, the identification colors and markers are permitted to be the owners' discretion.
• When the private hydrants are located on public streets, they should be painted red or another color to distinguish them from public hydrants. (Check with your local fire marshal)
• Fire hydrants that are permanently inoperative or unusable should be removed.
• Fire hydrants that are temporarily inoperative or unusable should be wrapped or otherwise provided with the temporary indication of their condition.
• Hydrants shall be kept free of snow, ice, or other materials and protected against mechanical damage so that free access is ensured.

For more information on your private fire hydrant please refer to:

• NFPA 24 - Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances
• NFPA 25 - NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems