We assume every hydrant we see works. We think they are built to last forever. But how many years has it been since anyone checked the fire hydrants you’ll be working around? Most cities require an annual check and test for private hydrants, and sticking to this timeline is crucial for fire protection. Hydrant testing and inspections are responsibility of water department and fire department personnel. Precision Utilities can do the legwork work for you, making sure your business won’t lose time and money waiting to work.

Inspections

Some city’s utilities inspect fire hydrants on a biannual basis; others inspect on yearly cycles. Regardless, the substantial documentation collected during inspections is a valuable for your records.

Fire hydrant maintenance documentation should provide a complete activity and condition
record, allowing users to perform various distribution system analyses.

CONDUCTING THE INSPECTION

Fire hydrant inspections help determine if a fire hydrant can be located easily, is mechanically operable, or needs repairs. It can be difficult to separate inspection tasks from repair tasks, so it’s best to be prepared to make some repairs during an inspection, such as replacing missing caps or chains, replacing nozzle cap gaskets, and uncovering or raising fire hydrant isolation valves to grade.

Documentation

A key aspect of hydrant documentation is to note all observations made and
actions taken during an inspection. Most of the data, if properly recorded, will have meaning in the right context. Data should include mechanical operability, work-order triggers, and materials used.

Why replace it when you can fix it?

A new replacement hydrant can cost more than 20 times the expense of mechanically servicing a hydrant or replacing a defective component within the hydrant. Fixing it makes business sense.

Comprehensive Hydrant Repair

Fire hydrant repair and rehabilitation services include upper and/or lower barrel repairs, seat valve, stem, top nut, and O-ring setscrew servicing or replacement, nozzle realignment, lubrication, and hydrant repainting, followed by mechanical testing, pressure testing, and flow testing to ensure the rehabilitated or repaired hydrant meets full industry standards and operational specifications.