Fire Hydrants - Intro Distribution (1.25 Contact Hours)

This course provides an in-depth study of fire hydrants as essential components of public water systems. Topics include:

• Primary Purpose and Uses: Fire protection, construction support, flushing of mains, and unauthorized use concerns.

• Hydrant Specifications: Water main requirements, hydrant placement, outlet orientation, and color coding per NFPA 291 standards.

• Types of Hydrants: Dry-barrel, wet-barrel, flush hydrants, warm-climate hydrants, and breakaway hydrants, including their design differences and operational mechanisms.

• Operation and Maintenance: Proper operation procedures, common operational issues such as water hammer and sediment disturbance, inspection routines, and flow testing requirements.

• Installation Best Practices: Requirements for main sizing, auxiliary valves, placement relative to streets and curbs, and painting standards.

• Hydrant Safety Protocols: Precautions during flushing operations, preventing cross-connections, managing pedestrian and vehicle safety.

• Recordkeeping Requirements: Documentation standards for hydrant installation, maintenance, and repairs.