Fire Hydrant Maintenance

AMERICAN Flow Control strongly recommends that you follow routine maintenance on fire hydrants as outlined in AWWA Manual M17 for Installation, Field Testing, and Maintenance of Fire Hydrants. The ease of operation and the frequency of repair depend on the condition of the water system and the maintenance given. Dirt, gravel and other foreign material in the hydrant may prevent it from closing or draining properly, which may result in damage to the hydrant main valve. Under most operating conditions AMERICAN Flow Control recommends semi-annual lubrication and inspection of fire hydrants.

Note: Where grease is specified, use an AMERICAN Flow Control recommended food grade grease.

B-84-B, B-62-B and Mark 73 Hydrants

1. Twice per year, open the hydrant completely and let water run for several minutes. Open and close valve to make sure it works properly, and check for leaks. At time of inspection, grease nozzle cap threads with food grade grease. Since the housing is sealed with O-rings, it is not normally necessary to add grease to other areas of the hydrant.
2. After the valve is closed, the water in the hydrant should drain rapidly. If it does not, the drain ports may be clogged. To clear drain ports, install nozzle cap, and tighten until water tight, then open hydrant two or three turns for several minutes. This will leave drain port partially open and permit water pressure to wash out the obstruction. If this method is unsuccessful, remove the operating rod assembly and clean the drain mechanism. If neither of above methods permits water to drain, it indicates that the drainage area around the hydrant base should be rebuilt.
3. If it is necessary to add lubricant, turn operating nut back from tight closed position until it turns freely, then remove pipe plug in top of operating nut, attach 1/8" NPT grease fitting and pump food grade grease into operating nut. DO NOT OVERPRESSURE LUBRICANT OR OVERFILL HYDRANT WITH LUBRICANT. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN HARD OPERATION OF THE HYDRANT. SHOULD HARD OPERATION OCCUR REFER TO “TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE” DETAILED IN THE APPROPRIATE HYDRANT PRODUCT MANUAL LOCATED IN THE DOWNLOADS SECTION OF THIS WEBSITE.
4. Remove all nozzle caps, clean rust or corrosion from threads of nozzles and caps, and replace cap gaskets if necessary. Apply a light coat of grease to nozzle threads before replacing cap.

Pacer and Trend Hydrants

1. Twice per year, open the hydrant completely and let water run for several minutes. Open and close valve to make sure it works properly, and check for leaks.
2. After the valve is closed, the water in the hydrant should drain rapidly. If it does not, the drain ports may be clogged. To clear drain ports, install nozzle cap, and tighten until water tight, then open hydrant two or three turns for several minutes. This will leave drain port partially open and permit water pressure to wash out the obstruction. If this method is unsuccessful, remove the operating rod assembly and clean the drain mechanism. If neither of above methods permits water to drain, it indicates that the drainage area around the hydrant base should be rebuilt.
3. Oil Reservoir Hydrants: Remove oil level plug and check oil level. If it is necessary to add oil, remove the oil level plug on the back of the nozzle section and add oil. FILL OIL TO THE LEVEL OF THE PLUG, IF NECESSARY. DO NOT OVERPRESSURE LUBRICANT OR OVERFILL HYDRANT WITH LUBRICANT. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN HARD OPERATION OF THE HYDRANT. SHOULD HARD OPERATION OCCUR REFER TO “TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE” DETAILED IN THE APPROPRIATE HYDRANT PRODUCT MANUAL LOCATED IN THE DOWNLOADS SECTION OF THIS WEBSITE.
4. Non-Oil Reservoir Hydrants: Remove screw from operating nut, and add approximately one tablespoon of oil through opening. Replace screw.
5. Remove all nozzle caps, clean rust or corrosion from threads of nozzles and caps, and replace cap gaskets if necessary. Apply a light coat of grease to nozzle threads before replacing cap.

Valve and Hydrant O&M Manuals