Difference Between Wet and Dry Barrel Fire Hydrants

There are two main types of fire hydrants: wet and dry. Each type has its own unique features and is suited to different climates and conditions. Here’s a closer look at the differences between wet and dry barrel fire hydrants.

Wet and dry barrels are different styles of nozzles for different types of applications. The terms “wet” and “dry” refer to whether there is water left in the barrel of the nozzle when it’s not in use — the part that’s above ground.

Wet Barrel Fire Hydrants

The shut-off valves are above ground, so there is water in the barrel even when the nozzle is not in use. Each outlet has a valve that operates independently, and the mechanical parts are easily accessible above ground and can be adjusted to the appropriate height without expensive modifications. This makes wet barrel fire hydrants an easy-to-operate and easy-to-maintain option for warm climates where there’s no risk of freezing.

What Are They? Wet barrel fire hydrants are designed so that water is always present in the hydrant up to each outlet. These hydrants are typically found in temperate or warm climates, where the risk of freezing is minimal.

Key Features:

• Continuous Water Supply: Water is always available up to the hydrant outlets, meaning firefighters can access water immediately by opening a valve.
• Individual Outlet Control: Each outlet on a wet barrel hydrant has its own valve, allowing multiple hoses to be connected and operated independently.
• Easy Maintenance: Because the hydrant is always full of water, no additional components are needed to prevent freezing, making maintenance easier.
• Not Suitable for Cold Climates: In freezing conditions, water can freeze inside a wet barrel hydrant, potentially damaging the hydrant and rendering it unusable during an emergency.

Best for:

• Warm or temperate climates.
• Areas where freezing temperatures are rare or non-existent.

Dry Barrel Fire Hydrants

The barrel of the hydrant is drained or pumped dry when the hydrant is not in use and the shut-off valve is located underground. There is no water left above ground after the hydrant is used, so the hydrant is safe from freezing in cold areas.

What are they? Dry barrel hydrants are specifically designed for cold climates. Unlike wet barrel hydrants, they do not hold water in the barrel when not in use. Instead, the water supply is controlled by a valve located below the freezing line.

You can learn more about: Dry Barrel Fire Hydrants.

Difference Between Wet Barrel and Dry Barrel Hydrants

Wet barrel and dry barrel hydrants are the most common types of hydrants used worldwide in residential and urban areas when fighting fires. Each hydrant has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your needs. So before installing a hydrant, it is important to understand the difference between these two types and which one is best for your location.

These hydrants feature a water chamber that is filled with water from a public source rather than being connected directly to the source like a dry hydrant.

It allows for an instant flow of water when the hydrant is opened, making it great for fighting fires in those specific areas.

Dry barrel fire hydrants are typically found in rural or agricultural areas due to their need for direct contact with a water source. This means that since they are not submerged in water, they will produce a lower flow rate. The advantage of this type of hydrant is that when used in an industrial environment where contaminants may be present, it prevents contamination of the public water supply. Additionally, since these faucets are not connected to the public supply, backflow cannot occur at all which helps maintain better water pressure and prevents unexpected problems due to lack of maintenance in many public systems.

Video Explaining How Wet and Dry Barrels Work

Advantages and Disadvantages of Wet and Dry Barrels

While a wet barrel fire hydrant has the advantage of being able to provide an instant flow of water when opened. It also contains standing water that can lead to freezing and other problems in cold winter climates. On the other hand, while dry barrel fire hydrants offer the advantage of not having any standing water. They are typically more expensive than wet barrel fire hydrants and may require more maintenance due to their need for regular inspection and cleaning.

Wet barrel fire hydrants are more common and tend to be less expensive than dry barrel fire hydrants. However, wet barrel fire hydrants require more frequent cleaning to prevent limescale and other contaminants from developing in the standing water. It is also important for municipalities with wet barrel fire hydrants to have a system in place to drain them during the cold winter months to prevent freezing or ice jams. Dry barrel fire hydrants generally do not require regular cleaning and are less prone to freezing in cold weather. On the downside, they are usually much more expensive than wet barrel fire hydrants. They need to be tested and inspected regularly due to the lack of standing water to help flush out contaminants.

When to Use a Wet Barrel Fire Hydrant

Wet barrel fire hydrants are often the preferred type when it comes to providing an immediate supply of water in the event of a fire. As such, they are more common in areas with frequent wildfires and other natural fires. They can also be useful in areas where access to water is limited or where the cost of dry barrel fire hydrants is prohibitively high.

Wet barrel fire hydrants are designed to hold a specific amount of water, typically between 1,800 and 4,000 litres. This means they can provide firefighters with an immediate source of water. Unlike dry barrel fire hydrants, which take several minutes to fill. Wet barrel fire hydrants are also useful in areas that experience long periods without rain or low water pressure in the surrounding area. Water can be stored for use in times of need. Finally, wet barrel fire hydrants are less susceptible to freezing in cold climates due to the fact that the pipes that control the hydrant are filled with warm water and/or antifreeze.

When to Use a Dry Barrel Fire Hydrant

A dry barrel fire hydrant is best used in areas that do not experience frequent fires or have an extensive and well-maintained piping system. It requires less water pressure to open than a wet barrel fire hydrant and costs less to install and maintain. This makes it ideal for facilities that rarely use their fire hydrants, such as industrial sites or large university campuses. Dry barrel fire hydrants also tend to last longer due to not being exposed to large amounts of water.

The main advantage of using a dry barrel fire hydrant is that it requires much less water pressure to operate. Allowing firefighters to better control the flow and volume of water. The lower pressure also means that fire department personnel can reach the fire hydrant faster when fighting a fire. Because there is no need to wait for pressure to build up inside the pipes. The fact that this type of fire hydrant is generally sealed off from any water source also makes it more reliable. Contaminants such as mud and sand cannot enter its system, reducing the chance of a malfunction or blockage.

Installation Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Installing a dry barrel fire hydrant can be more challenging than installing a wet barrel because it requires additional installation steps. For starters, the main municipal hose must pass through the top of the valve before installation can begin. This can create a seal that is difficult to break and can cause large amounts of water to leak in an emergency. To avoid any problems, make sure to hire a competent contractor who is familiar with dry barrel fire hydrants to ensure your hydrant is installed correctly.

It is also important to pay attention to the way you lay the pipe for a dry barrel fire hydrant. As with any plumbing task, it is essential to follow the correct instructions and measurements when placing each component. Poor pipes can be a serious problem, especially when all connections are not properly sealed. If you ignore this step during your dry barrel fire hydrant installation, water will leak, compromising the system and leading to dangerous situations. By hiring an experienced professional who is familiar with the requirements of dry barrels. You will be sure that your firefighting supplies remain intact and reliable in the event of an emergency.

As you can see, both wet barrel and dry barrel fire hydrants have their pros and cons. Ultimately, what matters most is your specific needs in terms of location and application. Make sure you consider all of these factors before deciding which type of fire hydrant is right for you.