FAQs

1. Q: What is the problem?
   Answer: AFC has found corrosion on some of the fire hydrant operating rods in hydrants with cast dates from 1999 through 2003. (Models B-84-B, B-62-B, B-50-B, and MK73).



2. Q: What is the cause of the corrosion?
   Answer: AFC used a grease in hydrants with 1999-2003 cast dates 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 and AFC maintenance and inspection procedures, and been found to be operating properly, should continue to operate until 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 replace operating rods in all hydrants with cast dates from 1999 through 2003. AFC is making free replacement kits available to all customers and is providing a labor allowance of $40 per hydrant to customers for each hydrant repaired.



6. Q: How will the rod replacement program work?
   Answer: AFC is sending a notice to all customers of the rod replacement program. AFC will furnish customers at no charge operating rod replacement kits containing all parts, grease and instructions necessary for replacing hydrant rods. Customers may request rod replacement kits from AFC Customer Service, call 1-800-326-7082, or through our website, www.acipco.com. Along with the replacement kits are forms for customers to complete stating the location, model and cast year of each hydrant repaired. Upon return of the completed form to AFC, 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 and AFC product catalogs. If your inspection and maintenance is not scheduled for this spring, 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 an acetate.



9. Q: What if the end user has no way of tracking the hydrants by date in question?
   Answer: Customers can identify affected hydrants by looking at the date cast on the hydrant barrel, which is located opposite the nozzle.



10. Q: How do I know that hydrants built after 2003 have corrosion free operating rods?
    Answer: We changed to a grease that does not contain an acetate in January 2004 and our field inspection confirmed that no corrosion was present in the hydrants with the new grease.



11. Q: Will the repair eliminate this problem in our hydrants?
    Answer: Yes.



12. Q: What will I do with the old operating rods that are taken out of hydrants?
    Answer: Please contact AFC to make arrangements for the return of old rods to AFC or its distributors.



13. Q: What will I do about grease disposal?
    Answer: Grease should be disposed of in accordance with state and local regulations.



14. Q: How do I order the rod replacement kits?
    Answer: The kits can be ordered by calling AFC at 1-800-326-7082, or through AFC's website, www.acipco.com.



15. Q: How long will the kits be offered?
    Answer: Presently there is no deadline for ordering rod replacement kits.



16. Q: What grease should I use in maintaining my hydrants?
    Answer: You should not use any food grade grease which contains acetate. AFC is presently using Citgo Mystik food grade grease in hydrants, and recommends Mystik grease for maintenance of AFC hydrants.