You rely on firefighters to extinguish a fire; firefighters depend on fire hydrants for water. Ironically, your fire hydrants need you to maintain a regular schedule of inspections and testing in order to continue functioning.
And if you don’t check and test that hydrant, then you may leave your area or business vulnerable. Having access to water from your fire hydrant gives you the ability to protect yourself and your building in case of a fire.
How often Should you Test and Inspect your Fire Hydrant?
If you have a fire, you do not want to have to ask yourself whether your fire hydrant will be up to the task for which it is intended. In reference to the NFPA code, your fire hydrant is to be inspected annually (and after each use).
The hydrant flow needs to be checked annually as well for better performance. An annual inspection and testing will ensure that your fire hydrant is working properly and reliable if you need it for a fire. Inspection, testing and maintenance of fire hydrants shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 25 for the purpose of ensuring adequate operation.
What does Inspections and testing cover?
“Routine flushing of hydrants and testing your hydrants ensure proper operations for inspections. Inspection will be carried out by your professional fire brigade that includes:
- Check for Leaks or Cracks
- Inspect for an absent cap
- Search for any obstruction that can affect the function of the hydrant
- Inspect for cracked or leaking nozzles, gaskets, or valves
- Examine the height, and overall condition of the body of the hydrant.
- Verify flow of water with pressure gage
- Test hydrant flow for pressure and flow rate
- Determine the static and residual pressures
- Record reading of discharge at the meter-guard.
- Look for blockages in the flow and fix them
Brazas Fire’s Private Fire Hydrant Inspection and Testing
To be fully dependent on your fire hydrant and its connected components, it is important that your inspections are done by trained professionals.
If you want to ensure that your fire hydrant is in good and reliable shape, then Brazas Fire has the team that can do it for you.
At Brazas Fire, we provide private fire hydrant testing to ensure your water source is dependable when you need it. Give Brazas Fire a call to hear more on our annual inspections and hydrant flow tests and to get yours scheduled today!