Industrial facilities need adequate firefighting equipment for adequate protection. It makes fire hydrants an integral part of an industrial facility's firefighting appliances. Generally, a fire hydrant provides water at high pressure to put out a fire. However, fire hydrants are only as effective as their current condition. Therefore, regular maintenance is critical for the optimal operation of a fire hydrant. Unfortunately, fire hydrants are usually the last firefighting equipment to be maintained. Here are effective care tips for fire hydrants.

Check for Water Leaks -- A properly functioning fire hydrant should not leak water through the valve. However, the only way to establish leaks is to access the insides and bottom of a fire hydrant. The easiest and most effective way to do it is by inserting a weighted string into a fire hydrant and ensuring it touches the bottom. When you lift the weighted rope, and it comes out wet, it means there is water at the bottom of a hydrant. In such cases, it is advisable to pump out the water for a few minutes and insert another dry weighted string. If the string still comes out wet, the hydrant's valve has malfunctioned and needs repairing or replacing. However, if the weighted line is dry, you don't have to worry about a fire hydrant.

Lubricate Nozzle Cap -- The nozzle cap is one of the most critical parts of a fire hydrant since it allows a firefighting crew to attach a hose reel effectively. Notably, nozzle caps have screw-like threads which ensure a tight fit to the main fire hydrant outlet. Over time, a nozzle cap dries, particularly if a fire hydrant has not been used for a long time. Unfortunately, it makes unscrewing the nozzle cap arduous when a firefighting team needs to connect a hose reel urgently. Therefore, regular lubrication of the nozzle cap is critical for easy unscrewing and hose attachment. Moreover, a well-lubricated nozzle cap saves time, helping reduce the extent of fire damage.

Regular Flushing -- Debris and dirt can end up inside a fire hydrant barrel for one reason or another and clog the main valve at the base. When it happens, a hydrant generates low water pressure and might not be powerful enough to reach the intended target. Therefore, it is good to flush a fire hydrant regularly since this helps clear out debris trapped in the barrel. Additionally, regular flushing allows you to study a hydrant's water pressure so that you can make the necessary adjustments or repairs. It is better to find out that your facility's fire hydrant has low water pressure during routine maintenance than during a fire incident.

For more information, contact a company that provides fire equipment.