Fire Hydrants
Private fire hydrants that are located on private water mains do not fall under the remit of the local water company or the Fire and Rescue Service to maintain and instead the landowner/occupier has the responsibility to maintain them in correct working order. Through our specialist contractor we can provide you with annual inspection and testing of Hydrant systems in accordance with BS 9990, that comprise a visual inspection (above and below ground), and a “wet” test.
The visual inspection includes checking of the hydrant frame and cover, the surrounding surface to the hydrant and the ‘H’ plate (location sign), the removal of any debris or vegetation that has accumulated/grown over the cover or the ‘H’ plate. The below ground inspection is of the valve(s), outlet cap and hydrant pit.
The ‘Wet’ test includes:
Flow Test to check that an adequate volume of water is released from the system.
Wet Pressure Test which involves fitting a standpipe to the hydrant, a blanking cap is then fitted to the standpipe and the hydrant is opened fully. Whilst under pressure visual checks are then carried out on all joints for signs of leakage, with those deemed to impair firefighting reported upon.
Static Pressure Test which checks that water is dispensing from the system with the correct amount of pressure.
The ‘H’ plate is the sign that identifies the location of the fire hydrant and is usually in close proximity and is either affixed to a pole, fence, or post. The figure in the top part of the ‘H’ indicates the diameter of the hydrant pipe (in mm), with bottom figure showing in metres how far the hydrant cover is from the sign.
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