FAQs

1. Q: What is the problem?
   Answer: Waterous has found corrosion on some of the Waterous fire hydrant operating rods in hydrants bearing cast dates from 1999 through 2004. (Pacer Models WB67-250 and W67-250, and Trend Model WB77).
   
   
2. Q: What is the cause of the corrosion?
   Answer: Waterous used grease in hydrants bearing cast dates from 1999-2004 which contained an acetate additive that makes corrosion of the hydrant operating rod possible.
   
   
3. Q: What is the effect of the corrosion on the hydrant?
   Answer: As the corrosion progresses the hydrants will become increasingly harder to operate. In cases of extreme corrosion, hydrants can become inoperable.
   
   
4. Q: Are my hydrants safe?
   Answer: Hydrants which have been inspected and maintained pursuant to American Water Works Association, AFC, and Waterous maintenance and inspection procedures, and have recently been found to be operating properly, should continue to operate until the repairs are completed according to our notice.
   
   
5. Q: What is AFC going to do to solve this situation?
   Answer: AFC is instituting a hydrant operating rod replacement program to remove the existing grease and replace the operating rods in all of these model hydrants bearing cast dates from 1999 through 2004. Waterous is providing the parts and materials to all customers free of charge and is providing a labor allowance of $40 per hydrant to customers for each hydrant that is repaired.
   
   
6. Q: How will the rod replacement program work?
   Answer: AFC is sending a letter of notice to all customers of the rod replacement program. Waterous will furnish customers at no charge, operating rod replacement, parts, grease, and instructions necessary for replacing hydrant rods. Customers may request rod replacement parts and materials from Waterous Customer Service, call 1-866-683-3911 or through our website, www.acipco.com/afc. Along with the replacement parts and materials are forms for customers to complete stating the location, model and cast year marking of each hydrant repaired. Upon return of the hydrant rod and completed form to Waterous, AFC will pay the customer a labor allowance of $40 for each hydrant repaired.
   
   
7. Q: When should I perform the rod replacement?
   Answer: Rod replacement should be combined with inspection and maintenance of hydrants as outlined in American Water Works Association standards, AFC product catalogs, and Waterous maintenance and inspection procedures. If your periodic inspection and maintenance program is not scheduled to include Waterous fire hydrants in the upcoming several months, then AFC recommends that you accelerate your schedule.
   
   
8. Q: Is there a problem with using food grade greases in hydrants?
   Answer: No. The problem as it exists in this case is with grease that contains acetate.
   
   
9. Q: What if the end user has no way of tracking the hydrants by the dates in question?
   Answer: The end user will have to inspect each Waterous Pacer or Trend hydrant to identify those bearing cast dates from 1999 through 2004. Instructions for identifying these hydrants are available on the AFC website.
   
   
10. Q: How do I know that hydrants built after 2004 are not affected by the problem?
    Answer: During the year of 2004, Waterous stopped using the grease that can make corrosion possible.
    
    
11. Q: Will the repair eliminate this problem in our hydrants?
    Answer: Yes. The grease and the operating rods that are affected by corrosion are being replaced.
    
    
12. Q: What will I do with the old operating rods that are taken out of hydrants?
    Answer: All operating rods that are taken out will need to be returned to Waterous.
    
    
13. Q: How is shipping handled for the rods that are to be returned to Waterous?
    Answer: We ask that you contact Waterous Customer Service at the toll-free number, 866/683-3911, to arrange for the shipping of the rods to Waterous at no charge to you.
    
    
14. Q: What will I do about disposal of used cleaning solvent?
    Answer: Used cleaning solvent should be disposed of in accordance with state and local regulations.
    
    
15. Q: How do I order the rod replacement parts and materials?
    Answer: The parts and materials can be ordered by calling Waterous Customer Service at 1-866-683-3911 or through our website, www.acipco.com/afc.
    
    
16. Q: How long will these parts and materials be offered?
    Answer: Presently there is no deadline for ordering rod replacement parts and materials.
    
    
17. Q: What grease should I use in maintaining my hydrants?
    Answer: You should not use any food grade grease which contains acetate. Packaged hydrant lubricant, food grade grease, sold for repair and maintenance by Waterous in a 1-pint container (V-1934), or in a 5-pound container (V-3174) is filled with the proper grease. Otherwise, use Citgo Clarion Food Machinery Grease No. 2, which was formerly named Citgo Mystic FG-2 Food Machinery Grease.