Safety Inspections
For more information on hydrant static testing, flow testing, flushing, residual tests and hydrant safety inspection, visit our Flow Testing, Annual Safety Inspections, ISO Reporting Page.
Hydrant safety inspections are an important component conducted in conjunction with static tests, flow tests, flushing and residual fire flow testing. Many issues are uncovered while conducting hydrant inspections and verifying hydrant safety. According to NFPA and AWWA, hydrants should be inspected annually and verified to be in-service.
If a hydrant is in severe need of repairs or replacement, immediate notification is necessary. Ensure the safety of your residents, property, and avoid liability issues by annually inspecting all hydrants within your system and addressing repairs.
Annually inspecting fire hydrants identifies OUT OF SERVICE hydrants, verifies reliability, and provides valuable information on hydrants throughout the distribution system. Comprehensive reporting is necessary after inspections are conducted in order to address repairs and verify hydrant operability once repairs are completed.
Safety inspections start with physically inspecting each hydrant:
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Look for any obstructions that may interfere with the operation of the hydrants
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Check for rusted or missing flange bolts
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Check for rusted or missing bonnet bolts
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Inspect lubrication of hose and pumper caps
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Check for missing chains, and s-hooks
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Inspect the condition of the pumper and hose nozzles
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Check to make sure fire hydrant is vertical
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Conduct static and flow pressure test to asses flow classification
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Determine if the hydrant needs to be raised or lowered
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Locate the position of the isolation valve
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Check for the presence of blue emergency markers
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Determine if the hydrant needs to be painted
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Check for main valve leaks
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Determine condition of operating nut
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Classify the fire hydrant according to ISO Conditions
After fire hydrants are inspected, a Fire Hydrant Inspection Report is provided outlining all information gathered during the inspections. The inspection report includes:
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Out of service hydrants
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Hydrants in extreme need of lube, oil, grease
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Seized operating nuts
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Seized pumper and hose caps
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Loose nozzles need to be recaulked
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Leaking hydrant main valves
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Bonnet and flange repairs
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Miscellaneous parts needed
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Hydrants needing extensions
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Blue markers missing
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Accessibility of each hydrant
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Missing chains and S-hooks
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Needed paint
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Locations with excessively dirty flow
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New hydrant locations
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Make, model, and year of each hydrant
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Location of hydrant’ isolation valve and condition of valve box cover
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Any additional information gathered