When it comes to fighting fires, having access to a reliable source of water is crucial. Fire hydrants are an essential part of any community’s firefighting infrastructure. The importance of fire hydrants cannot be overstated.
There are several different types of fire hydrants with their own unique features and characteristics. So read on to know which type is best suited for you when you buy fire hydrants.
We take a look at some of the most common types and explore their features and benefits.
Wet Barrel Fire Hydrants
Wet barrel fire hydrants are the most common type of fire hydrant found in the United States. As the name suggests, these hydrants have a wet barrel design, meaning that the water is always present in the barrel of the hydrant.
One of the key benefits of wet barrel fire hydrants is their simplicity. Because the water is always present in the barrel, there is no need for any special valves or mechanisms to access the water. This makes them easy to use and maintain.
Wet barrel fire hydrants are inexpensive to install and maintain. This makes them a cost-effective option for many. There are also now also smart hydrant versions of wet barrel fire hydrants that one can consider.
Dry Barrel Fire Hydrants
Dry barrel fire hydrants are similar to wet barrel hydrants, but with one key difference — the barrel of the hydrant is not filled with water. Instead, the hydrant has a valve at the bottom that allows water to flow into the barrel when it is needed.
The main advantage of dry barrel fire hydrants is that they are less susceptible to freezing in cold climates. Because the barrel is not filled with water, there is less risk of the water inside freezing and damaging the hydrant.
Dry barrel fire hydrants are also more expensive to install and maintain than wet barrel hydrants. They require more complex valves and mechanisms.
Underground Fire Hydrants
As the name suggests, underground fire hydrants are installed beneath the ground rather than above it. These hydrants are typically located near the main water supply lines and are accessed through a small hatch in the ground.
One of the main benefits of underground fire hydrants is that they are less visible but easier to locate in any emergency. They also take up less space and can be less of an obstruction than above-ground hydrants.
But, underground fire hydrants can be more expensive to install and maintain than above-ground hydrants. They also need special equipment to access and use, making them less convenient for firefighters in some situations.
Wall Hydrants
Wall hydrants are similar to underground hydrants in that they are installed beneath the ground. However, instead of being accessed through a hatch in the ground, wall hydrants are accessed through a valve mounted on a wall.
Like underground hydrants, wall hydrants are less visible and can be easier to locate in an emergency. They are also less of an obstruction than above-ground hydrants.
However, wall hydrants, like wet barrel ones, can be more expensive to install and maintain than above-ground hydrants. They may also require special equipment to access and use.
A Clear Understanding of Fire Hydrants
Fire hydrants are an essential part of any community’s firefighting infrastructure. It provides a reliable source of water for firefighters to use in the event of a fire.
Understanding the different types of fire hydrants is important. It can help you make informed decisions about which type is best suited for your community or business.
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