How to Install a Fire Hydrant System
install a fire hydrant system is a critical aspect of fire safety infrastructure in buildings, industrial facilities, and communities. These systems provide firefighters with a reliable source of water to efficiently fight fires. Proper installation is essential to ensure the system operates effectively during emergency situations. Here are the basic steps involved in installing a fire hydrant system.
How to Install a Fire Hydrant System
Initial Planning:
Conduct a thorough assessment of the property or area to determine the ideal locations for fire hydrants. Consider factors such as the building layout, access to water supply, and fire department requirements.
Obtain the necessary permits and approvals from local authorities and regulatory bodies before beginning installation.
Design and Planning:
Develop a detailed design and layout plan for the fire hydrant system, including the location of fire hydrants, underground pipes, valves, and main water lines.
Ensure compliance with relevant codes, standards and regulations governing the installation of fire sprinklers, such as local building codes.
Pre-Inspection
Pre-Installation Fire Sprinkler Inspection for Damage During Shipping:
- The fire sprinkler must be operated in both the fully open and fully closed positions to ensure that it has not suffered any internal damage and that its components are intact.
- The fire sprinkler must be pressure tested and leak tested prior to installation because nozzles and devices tend to loosen during shipping.
- After the pre-installation inspection and testing is complete, close the main fire sprinkler valve and replace and tighten the nozzle.
- If storage is necessary, the fire sprinkler must be stored with the inlet facing down. Re-inspect immediately prior to installation.
Water Supply Connection:
Select an appropriate water supply source, such as a municipal water main or a dedicated fire protection water tank.
Install a Fire Department Connection (FDC) to facilitate the connection between the fire sprinkler system and the water supply. The FDC typically includes valves, pipes and fittings.
Underground Pipe Excavation and Installation:
Dig trenches to lay underground pipes to connect fire hydrants to the water supply.
Install wrought iron or PVC pipes according to design specifications and local regulations, ensuring proper alignment and support.
Fire hydrant installation:
Place fire hydrants in designated locations along streets, parking lots, or building perimeters, ensuring they are easily accessible to firefighters.
Drill holes for the fire hydrant bases and secure them using concrete casings or fire hydrant mounting pads.
Connect fire hydrants to the underground piping network using appropriate fittings and valves.
With so many variations of hydrants, choosing the right type requires planning and consideration. It should also be noted that hydrants come in a range of colors. Typically, red or green are chosen to make them stand out. However, some cities have color schemes that can provide information about the pressure available at each hydrant. The caps on the hydrant can also provide pressure information. These caps are usually nut-shaped and are often pentagonal in shape. Yellow caps often indicate that the hydrant is on a main water line and has high pressure. White caps may indicate that it is part of the water system but not near a main water line.
Valve Installation and Testing:
Install isolation valves, gate valves, and other necessary control devices at strategic points along the piping network to control water flow and isolate sections for maintenance.
Press tests to ensure the integrity of the piping system and verify proper operation of valves and fittings.
Backfill and Resurface:
Back excavated trenches with suitable material, compacting them to prevent settling or damage to the pipes.
Restore surface areas, such as sidewalks, roads, or landscaping, to their original condition or in accordance with local ordinances and aesthetic considerations.
Signs and Markings:
Install visible signs and markings to indicate the presence and location of fire hydrants, making sure they are easily identifiable by emergency responders and maintenance personnel.
Paint fire hydrants and signs according to standardized color codes to indicate water flow capacity and other relevant information.
Inspection and Operation:
Schedule a final inspection with local authorities or fire department officials to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and confirm proper installation and operation of the fire hydrant system.
Turn on the system and conduct flow tests to verify water flow rates and pressure levels at each hydrant.
Ongoing Maintenance and Monitoring:
Establish a regular maintenance schedule to inspect and maintain the fire hydrant system, including flushing hydrants, lubricating valves, and repairing any leaks or damage.
Keep accurate records of maintenance activities, inspections, and tests to ensure the system remains in optimal condition and complies with regulatory standards.
See also: Fire Hydrant Maintenance Basics
Fire sprinkler system installation requires careful planning, coordination, and adherence to regulatory requirements to ensure effective fire protection capabilities. By following these basic steps and best practices, property owners, facility managers, and fire protection professionals can install reliable, robust fire sprinkler systems to protect lives and property from the devastating impact of fire.
Video explaining how to install fire hydrants in a simple way
Types of fire hydrants
Wet and dry barrel fire hydrants
Most fire hydrants extend several feet into the ground. Generally, there are two main types – wet barrel fire hydrants and dry barrel fire hydrants.
Wet and dry. The differences between the two types are related to temperature. Wet barrel fire hydrants can freeze more easily than dry barrel fire hydrants. For this reason, dry barrel fire hydrants are more common in cold climates.
For both types, the part that can be seen contains the control valve nut and hose parts. Most hydrants have 2.5-inch outlets and 4.5-inch outlets to accommodate both the hose and the steam line that goes to the fire truck. The part below the ground contains the barrel and valve. These parts are connected to the upper part by a breakable flanges on the casting and a breakable coupling on the operating rod. It connects to the main water line with an elbow. Gate valves or pressure valves can be used to isolate the hose line if one of the hydrants gets stuck open. Butterfly valves can also be placed somewhere in the water system to direct the flow of water.
Wet barrel fire hydrants are more common in southern climates with little risk of freezing. They have the potential to operate for a century when properly maintained. All of the mechanical parts of this type of hydrant are located above ground. This means that the water is the primary source of supply for the hydrant and is close to the surface. While this is convenient when fighting fires, it can make them susceptible to freezing.
Dry barrel hydrants are similar to wet barrel hydrants, but the valve remains dry when not in use. The water valve for a dry barrel hydrant is located far below ground. It is kept below the freezing line to ensure that the system does not freeze. Dry barrel hydrant maintenance involves using a plumb line to check for moisture, which indicates a problem. The absence of water also reduces corrosion inside and leakage from the hydrant head.
While these are the basic types of fire hydrants for most locations, there are additional options, such as:
- Flowing hydrants: Although similar to regular fire hydrants, they have a single outlet that acts as a wide-open outlet. These hydrants are used to flush the main water pipe and discharge it into a stream or storm drain.
- Vertical Fire Hydrants: These hydrants extend in a straight line from the ground at the top of the feed pipe. Because the outlet and handle are about 3 feet high, they look like columns. Column hydrants are found on campuses and large facilities. They are operated by a handle and have a valve located below the freeze line.
- Water Pipes: These hydrants are a little different because they are typically located inside a building. Their configuration allows firefighters to distribute water to specific areas of a building, often allowing trapped people to exit the building.
- Cast iron is the most common material used for fire hydrants, although wrought iron or stainless steel can also be used. Bronze is used in many of the parts associated with the main valve and drain valve areas. Some fire hydrants have automatic flush devices that keep the water safe for consumers in the distribution system. These systems remove disinfectant byproducts.
Learn more about The difference between wet and dry barrel fire hydrants
Things to Watch Out For during install a fire hydrant system
Fire hydrant installation professionals must also be aware of several elements, including:
- Ensure compliance with all local fire codes, fire authorities, and municipal design standards.
- Properly coordinate the fire hydrant installation with the main water lines to ensure proper fire flows.
- Handle all items with care to avoid damage.
- Clean all foreign matter from the fire hydrant prior to installation.
- Determine an easily accessible location.
- Install a gate valve to isolate it for maintenance and emergency shutdown purposes.
Once installed, the fire hydrant must be moved from fully closed to fully open and vice versa to ensure that there are no obstructions preventing the flow of water.
The fire hydrant must also be hydrostatically tested. After testing, the fire hydrant must be flushed and inspected for any damage.
Fire hydrant installation is no simple task. Planning often takes weeks—if not months. This planning ensures that you choose the right location and design for your needs. Additionally, you often have to obtain the appropriate permits and comply with any local regulations. Working with experienced professionals can make this entire process much easier.
Contact our skilled Carewater experts today to learn more about how we can help you meet your fire hydrant needs.
