ACIPCO Product Alert

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE

American Flow Control (AFC) is advising all customers that grease used in model B-84-B, B-62-B, B-50-B, and MK-73 hydrants with cast dates of 1999 through 2003 contains an acetate additive that makes corrosion of the hydrant operating rod possible. Once started, this condition worsens over time, making hydrants hard or, in extreme cases, impossible to operate. A hydrant which is difficult or impossible to operate poses a serious threat to life and property.

Therefore, the hydrant operating rod and grease in each model B-84-B, B-62-B, B-50-B, and MK-73 hydrant bearing cast dates from 1999 through 2003 must be replaced. The cast date is located on the barrel of each hydrant, opposite the nozzle.

Rod replacement should be combined with inspection and maintenance procedures as outlined in American Water Works Association standards and AFC product catalogs. If your inspection and maintenance program is not scheduled for this spring, then AFC recommends that you accelerate your schedule. AFC will provide, at no charge to you, operating rod replacement kits containing new operating rods, grease, installation instructions, and all other parts necessary to replace the operating rods, plus a labor allowance of $40 for each hydrant that you repair.

Please contact AFC Customer Service at 800-326-7082, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CST, or go to www.acipco.com, to order the operating rod replacement kits and to answer any questions you may have. Please have the model number (B-84-B, B-62-B, B-50-B, or MK-73) available when you call. You may also contact your AFC sales representative or distributor for further information.

AFC recommends that customers discontinue using any grease containing acetate in all AFC hydrants, including any grease previously supplied by AFC. AFC recommends using Citgo Mystik food grade grease in its hydrants.

AFC is a division of ACIPCO, whose goal for 100 years has been to provide the public safe, dependable, high-quality products. In order to keep the high standards for which our company is known, we have undertaken to replace all hydrant operating rods in hydrants manufactured with cast dates from 1999 through 2003. We proudly stand behind our products, and will continue to deliver the reliable products and customer service that are the foundation of our company. We appreciate your business.