What You Didn’t Know About Fire Hydrants
Even though you likely pass fire hydrants regularly on your daily walk or commute, you may be surprised by what you don’t know about them. Who is responsible for maintaining fire hydrants? Why are they painted the colors they are? Consider a few interesting and helpful facts about these life-saving water access points.
How They Work
Fire hydrants do not work quite like the faucets in your house. For one thing, water is not stored in the hydrant itself. Underground pipes contain the water hydrants use, but it only reaches the surface when a valve is turned. This valve is not like any household mechanism either, as it requires an uncommonly shaped tool to turn it. Both of these oddities have a purpose. Namely, it is vital that water does not freeze in the hydrant and that people cannot use it for non-emergency purposes.
Who Maintains Them
Another perhaps little-known fact about hydrants is that they are not all public. Private hydrants are mandated by government regulations, yet the property owner bears some responsibility in caring for them. While the city usually handles matters like fire flow testing, homeowners with private hydrants must do their part to keep the … Read the rest