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Different types of fire hydrants come with distinctive pricing. However, many things, including materials, complexity, and functions, determine price fire hydrant. Here are the most common types:
Wet Barrel Hydrants
In communities or regions where temperatures rarely fall below freezing, wet barrel hydrants are commonly used. These hydrants have valves located at the hydrant's top, allowing water to flow even in cold weather. The cost of wet barrel fire hydrants often ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 since they are less complicated than dry barrel types.
Dry Barrel Hydrants
On the other hand, dry barrel hydrants are appropriate for areas where the temperature drops significantly. These hydrants have a valve mechanism located below the frost line that prevents water from freezing inside the hydrant. Because of their complex structure, dry barrel fire hydrants usually cost between $3,000 and $6,000. Nonetheless, they are often required in regions with extreme cold.
Flush Hydrants
Flush fire hydrants are primarily used in rural areas or less populated locations. They are designed to be flushed out for maintenance purposes, which means that cleaning the lines and keeping the hydrants functional is easy. Because they are less frequently installed and have unique features, their cost usually ranges from $2,500 to $4,500. Nevertheless, they are still durable and effective.
Post Indicator Valves (PIV) Hydrants
Post Indicator Valves Hydrants are critical in industrial applications. They ensure that fire control measures are easily proposed and related valves accessible. The price for these hydrants typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,500, though costs can go higher depending on specifications.
There are several factors that influence the price of fire hydrants. Here are some of them:
Type
The kind of fire hydrant typically impacts its cost. For example, wet barrel hydrants are more affordable compared to dry barrel hydrants, which are much more complex. On the other hand, special hydrants, like corrosion-resistant ones, are more expensive than regular ones. This is because they use premium materials. Apart from this, custom hydrants often have costs close to commercial hydrants due to additional features.
Material
As mentioned earlier, fire hydrants come in various materials, each offering unique advantages. Moreover, the choice of material affects the price. For instance, ductile iron, which is the most preferred material, offers a great combination of strength and durability. Unfortunately, it comes at a higher price due to the costly manufacturing process. Stainless steel is used for corrosion-resistant hydrants, but it is even more expensive. On the contrary, the less durable ones, like PVC or plastic composites, tend to be cheaper, but they are not suitable for heavy-duty activities.
Size
Fire hydrants usually come in various sizes. The main difference between these sizes is the diameter of the outlet or nozzle. Larger hydrants with bigger outlet sizes tend to be more expensive than smaller ones. This is because they provide a greater water flow capacity. Furthermore, in high-fire risk areas, larger hydrants are often required to ensure efficient firefighting operations. They, therefore, incur additional costs.
Brand and Certification
Brand reputation can significantly influence the costs of hydrants. For example, brands that have established a record of manufacturing durable and reliable hydrants frequently charge a premium for their products. This is because buyers will be willing to pay more for brands that have quality products. Additionally, hydrants that meet national or international standards will usually cost more, since they often periodic undergo stringent testing for performance and safety.
Emergency Water Supply in Urban Areas
In many urban areas, fire hydrants provide easy access to water for firefighting. Firefighters can quickly attach hoses to hydrants to get the water they need to put out fires, especially in high-rise buildings or densely populated areas. Without hydrants, it would be hard to move water from nearby sources to fires, making them critical for fire control in cities.
Used in Industrial Facilities
Most industrial facilities are required to install their own fire hydrants as part of their fire protection system. They also ensure that there is easy access to water for firefighting within and around factories, warehouses, and plants.
Rural and Agricultural Areas
Fire hydrants are also vital in rural or agricultural areas. Although these locations may not have a formal hydrant system, smaller, specially designed hydrants can be installed to help with fire control in fields, barns, and rural homes. They ensure that firefighters have easy access to water, even where homes are farther apart.
Emergency Services
Fire hydrants are also deployed in cooperation with emergency medical services, such as ambulances. They will ensure that hydrants are near critical infrastructure, like hospitals and power plants, to help control fire in these vital areas. Keeping spaces like hospitals safe from fires is important for emergency services, and hydrants aid in this work.
Community Preparedness
Further, hydrants help communities prepare for emergencies. Fire departments regularly test and inspect hydrants to ensure they work properly. This testing means that when an actual fire happens, nothing will slow down the firefighters. Communities with well-maintained hydrants are quicker to respond to fires. This gives residents confidence that help will arrive fast when needed.
Environmental Protection
Lastly, hydrants can also assist in protecting the environment. Fires in forests, grasslands, or areas close to valuable ecosystems and wildlife need to be put out fast. Fire hydrants near forests, fields, or camps prevent fires in those areas from spreading to nearby homes or causing damage to important areas.
Water Pressure
The water pressure in the area where the hydrant will be installed is important. A fire hydrant's pressure will determine how much water can be pushed out when there is a fire. Fire departments usually want hydrants that work well at 20 to 100 pounds per square inch of pressure, known as psi. This pressure range allows firefighters to get the water they need no matter where the fires occur.
Materials
Fire hydrants should be durable enough to last in any situation. This is why most hydrants are constructed using metals, such as ductile iron or bronze, that resist rust and wear. They are also able to withstand heavy traffic or extreme weather. Corrosive materials, like salt water or chemicals, can damage some metals. Therefore, a hydrant needs to be made of material that is truly robust against local conditions.
Maintenance and Costs
The other factor to consider is how much time and money will be required to keep the hydrants working well. Fire hydrants need to have easily replaceable parts. This makes it easier to do repairs. Also, the initial cost of the hydrant and long-term maintenance expenses need to be considered. Choosing fire hydrants that will save money on repairs and replacements over time is important, even if their initial cost is higher.
Checking the condition of fire hydrants about once a year is good enough in most areas. But in places with really bad weather or a lot of people, hydrants may need to be looked at more often. Firefighters also do a thorough check of all the hydrants annually. This ensures they are ready to use when needed. Regular checks keep the fire hydrants working properly and allow any issues to be fixed fast.
Fire hydrants that have frozen and cracked in cold weather can sometimes be repaired. But in most cases, it is better to just replace them with new ones. Repairing a damaged hydrant may be cheaper upfront, but getting the hydrant back to working condition takes a lot of time, and it may not last long. The best solution for a frozen fire hydrant is a quick and efficient replacement.
A special fire hydrant key is always used to open a locked fire hydrant. These keys are often given to fire departments or other groups responsible for keeping hydrants maintained. The key has a long handle with a small forked or square-shaped end that fits into the lock on the hydrant. It easily removes the lock from the hydrant and allows access.
If properly maintained, fire hydrants can last a very long time. Most can handle over 50 years of use with regular care. Some even go for 75 years or more. Annual inspections and repairs allow hydrants to stay in good condition for decades. This makes them reliable for many years.
