Fire Hydrant Troubleshooting

1. Operating nut turns freely but hydrant does not open.
2. Ground around hydrant is highly saturated.
3. External leakage is noticed around the operating nut.
4. Operating nut is extremely hard to turn.
5. Water is dripping around nozzles.
6. Hydrant will not drain properly.

PROBLEM

1. Operating nut turns freely but hydrant does not open.

SOLUTION

1. Inspect rod coupling for breakage and insure rod pin is properly installed.

PROBLEM

2. Ground around hydrant is highly saturated.

SOLUTION

2. Close hydrant and remove nozzle cap. Check with listening device to determine if water is passing by main valve. If it is determined that main valve is leaking try the following: a) Flush hydrant in fully open position (watch to see if rocks or other foreign objects flush out of barrel). b) After flushing for several minutes shut off hydrant. Watch for several minutes to see if flow stops. Place hand over open hose nozzle; suction should be felt indicating hydrant is no longer leaking and drains are working properly. c) If flushing does not solve problem it would indicate that something is trapped or has cut main valve rubber. Follow seat removing instructions to replace the valve. Check threads on bronze seat to be sure that it is not damaged. If threads appear worn or bent replace bronze seat. d) If replacing valve does not stop leakage, bolting at hydrant shoe may be loose or the base gasket is damaged. Hydrant must be excavated to make repair.

PROBLEM

3. External leakage is noticed around the operating nut.

SOLUTION

3. This indicates that O-Rings are cut or missing. O-Rings can be replaced without shutting off water. See repair section of manual for proper replacement.

PROBLEM

4. Operating nut is extremely hard to turn.

SOLUTION

4. Remove pipe plug in top of operating nut. Put in an alemite fitting and squirt one or two shots of food grade lubricating grease. If hydrant remains hard to operate replace thrust washers in hydrant head. If this does not solve problem remove hydrant seat and flush thoroughly.

PROBLEM

5. Water is dripping around nozzles.

SOLUTION

5. Remove nozzle cap and replace cap gasket. Check nozzle to be sure that it is properly installed. Hydrants installed prior to 1980 used leaded-in nozzles. Nozzle may require re-caulking. If hydrant has a cast date of 1981 or later, it has an O-Ring behind nozzle. If leakage is coming from behind the nozzle, replace O-Ring.

PROBLEM

6. Hydrant will not drain properly.

SOLUTION

6. Check to be sure water table has not risen too high to allow for drainage. Flush hydrant to be sure drains are clear. Open hydrant slowly several turns while leaving caps firmly in place will insure hydrant drains are clear. Close hydrant and repeat this procedure. Do this slowly three or four times. If this does not solve problem, remove hydrant seat assembly and check rubber drain facings. If no problems are found, excavate hydrant to see if concrete or other materials have blocked drain holes.