HomeMy WebLinkAbout206.019 - Fire Hydrant MaintenanceEffective Date: October 2007 Stephanie Andersen, GIS Specialist
Current Revision Date: 07/24/2025 Section 206.019
Next Revision (2) Date: 07/24/2029 Page 1 of 12
Fresno City Fire Department
200 Standard Operating Procedures Manual
SECTION 206.019 FIRE HYDRANT MAINTENANCE
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to guide Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department)
members through the inspection and maintenance process of all public and private
hydrants in the City of Fresno (City).
APPLICATION
Each fire company is assigned a group of fire hydrants to be inspected each year.
This policy gives fire crews guidance in how the inspection process works, equipment
needed, and the data entry information.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
The Company Officer is responsible for the periodic maintenance inspection of each
fire hydrant in the Department’s area of responsibility. These inspections will be
conducted annually in the fiscal year of July 1 to June 1, and as defined on page 8 of
this section. The first half of inspections will be conducted between September and
January, and the second half between February and May. All assigned hydrant
inspections shall be completed by June 1.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Additional types of inspections performed on fire hydrants:
1. New Hydrant Inspections: Initial inspections performed on new fire
hydrants.
2. Post Maintenance Inspections: Inspections performed after repair to
confirm repair.
3. Unscheduled Inspections: Inspections performed in response to
information received indicating the hydrant may be in need of
maintenance or repair. This includes the Operational Hazard report (4-
3 sheet) verification inspection.
Effective Date: October 2007 Stephanie Andersen, GIS Specialist
Current Revision Date: 07/24/2025 Section 206.019
Next Revision (2) Date: 07/24/2029 Page 2 of 12
PROCESS
Fire companies are assigned a group of fire hydrants to be inspected each year. The
first half of assigned hydrants are to be inspected between the months of September
and January, and the second half between February and May. This stratifies hydrant
repairs throughout the year and avoids end-of-year bottlenecking of repairs for the
Public Utilities Water Division.
Maintenance of fire hydrants by the Department is generally limited to the following
tasks:
1. Painting and numbering new fire hydrants
2. Repainting and renumbering, as required
3. Replacing hydrant outlet-cap gaskets as necessary and not to exceed
one gasket per outlet
4. Exercise of fire hydrant stem, butterfly valve, and gate valve
5. Flushing all fire hydrants to remove accumulated sand in the water
mains
6. Inspecting hydrant for proper operation and flow
7. Securing broken fire hydrants (See: page 7)
8. Removing weeds and shrubbery obscuring hydrant from view. A
minimum three (3) foot clearance is to be maintained around the
circumference of each hydrant.
9. Installing reflective blue hydrant markers. These can be ordered through
supply unit.
10. Placing inoperative hydrants out of service via Field Maps
11. Maintaining accurate records regarding hydrants and hydrant
inspections in Field Maps
The majority of these tasks are grouped into specific programs assigned on an annual
or as needed basis. These programs and additional maintenance subject areas are
addressed on the following pages.
Effective Date: October 2007 Stephanie Andersen, GIS Specialist
Current Revision Date: 07/24/2025 Section 206.019
Next Revision (2) Date: 07/24/2029 Page 3 of 12
Annual Hydrant Inspection Program
Each hydrant is to be inspected annually in accordance with schedules established by
the hydrant program manager. Instructions regarding the entry of inspection
schedules into Tiburon can be found in Standard Operating Procedures Manual,
Section 206.018, Fire Hydrant Program Policies.
Hydrants located in the county areas are not inspected by the Department with the
following exceptions:
1. Fire hydrants that are fed by City water mains are to be maintained by
City Department personnel.
2. Pursuant to a fire protection agreement with Fresno County Fire
Protection District and Cal Fire, the Department inspects county
hydrants in in the following areas:
• East of First Street
• South of Dakota,
• West of Temperance
• North of California
3. Fig Garden Fire Protection District
4. North Central Fire Protection District – Metro area only
County hydrants within these areas are numbered, painted, and inspected the same
as City hydrants.
When the FireGIS Specialist issues a hydrant number, the Field Maps records reflect
the water district and the city or county jurisdiction.
Company officers are to inspect all areas within the Department’s response areas,
including new annexations, complexes, condominiums, and contracted districts to
determine the existence of fire hydrants.
Due to new annexations and new construction, some public and on-site hydrants may
be found that are not listed, numbered, or painted to Department specifications.
Company officers should note the location and description of such hydrants and notify
FireGIS via email to firegis@fresno.gov and request directions for appropriate action.
Effective Date: October 2007 Stephanie Andersen, GIS Specialist
Current Revision Date: 07/24/2025 Section 206.019
Next Revision (2) Date: 07/24/2029 Page 4 of 12
FireGIS is to be notified when a discrepancy exists as to locations of fire hydrants in
Field Maps.
Private Hydrants
When defective on-site private hydrants are found, a "Notice for Correction" is sent to
the property owners or property managers citing the current edition of the California
Fire Code. Standard fire prevention procedures for correction of all on-site fire hydrant
problems should be followed. On-site private hydrants are numbered with the last two
(2) digits of 50 to 99.
If company officers cannot identify or contact a responsible person to issue the notice
for correction, assistance should be requested from the Department’s Prevention and
Support Services Division.
1. Complete appropriate entry in Field Maps as per Standard Operating
Procedures Manual, Section 206.018, Fire Hydrant Program Policies.
2. Send, via email to firehydrants@fresno.gov, a request to issue a “Notice
of Correction” to the property owner.
Note: An accurate location and address of the hydrant is necessary.
3. Prevention Division staff sends a notice to the property representative,
one (1) copy to the requesting company officer, and one (1) copy to
firehydrants@fresno.gov where the process is monitored.
4. The company officer is to schedule a re-inspection date to check
compliance. Contact the Prevention Division if a second notice is
necessary.
5. The company officer is to schedule follow-up inspections until the
hydrant is repaired and in service. At that time, "Completed" is to be
marked on the "Notice of Correction" and routed to Department
Headquarters via inter-department mail.
6. Computer entries are to be made at each step.
Effective Date: October 2007 Stephanie Andersen, GIS Specialist
Current Revision Date: 07/24/2025 Section 206.019
Next Revision (2) Date: 07/24/2029 Page 5 of 12
Placing Hydrants Out of Service
The following steps are to be performed when placing a hydrant out of service:
1. Place the hydrant out of service by adding a Field Maps inspection
record, being sure to select the appropriate “Inspection Type,” switching
the toggle to “No” for “Is the hydrant in service,”, switching the toggle to
“Yes” for “Does the hydrant require maintenance,” and choosing the
appropriate issues and/or entering a complete description in the
“Comments” box.
2. Paint the 4.5-inch cap black to indicate an out-of-service hydrant.
Additional Information
Problems are experienced with the Apollo-type hydrant valves. These problems are
partly due to age of these hydrants and their shutoff valves, and to over-tightening of
the shutoff valves. The packing ring tends to stick to the point that the valve is unable
to be opened with the wrench carried on FFD fire apparatus. Use care when closing
these types of hydrant valves. Seat (or close) it gently so that it will not stick.
Particular attention must be given to the opening and closing of hydrant valves. Valves
on the Mueller hydrants tend to become corroded on the top threads. This causes the
stem to become frozen in the operating nut within the first three (3) or four (4) turns
when the hydrant is first opened. The City’s Water Division has requested hydrant
stems, when noted in this condition, not be operated. The hydrant is to be placed out
of service per the procedures stated previously.
A copy of the hydrant inspection procedures is carried in each hydrant kit (See: page
9 of this policy).
Every fire hydrant is to be flushed annually. Caution should be used not to cause
property damage or to create a danger to the public.
Great care is to be exercised by all members to ensure street gate valves are left in
the open position after completion of each hydrant inspection.
A Field Maps inspection record is to be completed for each hydrant inspected. These
inspection record entries are to be performed at the conclusion of each inspection.
Any hydrant inside the city (public or private) needing repairs is to be entered in the
Field Maps record. Additionally, a "Notice of Correction" is to be issued by the
company officer to the property owner or manager of private hydrants. If a
responsible party cannot be identified, a request for a “Notice of Correction” to
be mailed to the appropriate party along with all pertinent information is to be
Effective Date: October 2007 Stephanie Andersen, GIS Specialist
Current Revision Date: 07/24/2025 Section 206.019
Next Revision (2) Date: 07/24/2029 Page 6 of 12
forwarded to the Department’s Prevention Division via email to
firehydrants@fresno.gov or other appropriate means.
Weed Removal
The area around hydrants is to be kept clear of weeds and other vegetation that is
unsightly or can interfere with the operation of the hydrant. If landscaping plants,
shrubs, bushes, or trees interfere with the operation of a hydrant, action is to be taken
to correct the problem. Bushes and shrubs on parking strips that are overgrown and
interfere with the hydrant can be trimmed back by Department members. Trees that
have been planted require notification of the City’s Public Works Department if located
on the public right of way, parking strips, etc. Plantings on private property require the
property owner or manager be notified and cited if necessary. A minimum three (3)
foot clearance is to be maintained around the circumference of each hydrant.
Cuttings should be kept in the parking strip and particular attention paid to keeping
stones and other debris out of the gutter to prevent damage to vehicles.
Hydrant Painting
Each in-service fire apparatus has a fire hydrant maintenance kit containing all the
items listed in the inventory (See: Page 10).
Fire hydrants are to be painted as needed to maintain their appearance.
Upon completion of painting and stenciling, the information is to be recorded on the
individual hydrant computer record by the company officer.
1. Painting: Standard fire hydrants with both 4-1/2-inch and 2-1/2 inch
outlets have the barrels of the hydrants painted chrome silver and the
tops of the hydrants painted the color corresponding to the size of the
main.
Main Size Color
4 inches and smaller Red
6 inches Yellow
8 inches and larger Green
All Wharf hydrants and hydrants without 4-1/2-inch outlets are painted chrome-silver
and the tops of the hydrants are painted red, regardless of the main size.
Effective Date: October 2007 Stephanie Andersen, GIS Specialist
Current Revision Date: 07/24/2025 Section 206.019
Next Revision (2) Date: 07/24/2029 Page 7 of 12
Identification numbers are to be stenciled on the hydrants. Only the last three (3)
digits of the seven-digit number are painted on the hydrant.
1. Decorative painting: Fire hydrants that have been painted by civilians,
which conform to Department standards, are not to be repainted unless,
in the company officer's opinion, the paint is in an unacceptable
condition.
Department standards for decorative hydrants are as follows:
1. Identification numbers are to remain legible and in the proper location.
2. All hydrant tops are to remain painted according to adopted standards.
3. The barrels of the hydrants are not to be camouflaged to the extent that
ready identification is impossible.
Installation of Reflective Blue Hydrant Markers
Each fire hydrant within the City, both public and private, is to have its location
identified by means of reflective blue markers exposed to the street. These markers
are to be installed in accordance with the diagram at the end of this policy. If a
particular hydrant installation does not appear in the diagram, company officers may
use their judgment in placing the reflective marker to best identify the location of the
hydrant.
Broken Fire Hydrants
Company officers dispatched to the location of a broken fire hydrant are to stop the
flow of water and make a note of any available information regarding the cause of the
incident. The company officer should ensure the broken fire hydrant is safely secured
against obstruction to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Barricades may be requested if
necessary from the City’s Streets Division through the Communications Center.
Broken hydrants may be left at location for Water Division pick-up. A Field Maps entry
is to be made to indicate the hydrant is out of service and details added to the
comments section of said entry. The company officer is to advise the Communications
Center of the condition and location of the hydrant and request the proper agency be
notified.
Effective Date: October 2007 Stephanie Andersen, GIS Specialist
Current Revision Date: 07/24/2025 Section 206.019
Next Revision (2) Date: 07/24/2029 Page 8 of 12
Supplies
The following items are available from the Supply Unit:
1. Reflective blue hydrant markers and adhesive
2. Paint and lubricant
3. Stencil materials
4. Hydrant gaskets
Verifying Hydrant Repairs
1. Check the Operational Hazards Report every Sunday as follows:
a. Access through the link in LMS or directly through:
https://cityoffresno.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/6881923
af00144b2afdae446bd6e9167
b. Click on your station in the “Station Selector” at the top of the
page
c. Pay special attention to the items on the OOS Hydrants list with
a purple background. Those indicate a repair has been made and
field verification of repair is requested.
d. The hydrants shaded purple should be inspected for completed
repairs and proper operation.
e. An appropriate Field Maps entry should be made using the
“Inspection Type” listed as “Verification of Repair”
i. If marked repaired, the purple shading will disappear from
the 4-3 sheet immediately
ii. If marked not repaired, a new notice will be sent to the
hydrant owner
Effective Date: October 2007 Stephanie Andersen, GIS Specialist
Current Revision Date: 07/24/2025 Section 206.019
Next Revision (2) Date: 07/24/2029 Page 9 of 12
HYDRANT INSPECTION PROCEDURE AS CONTAINED IN THE FIRE HYDRANT
MAINTENANCE KIT:
1. Locate the hydrant to be maintained by using the Hydrant Inspections
project in Field Maps.
2. Clear any weeds or debris around the hydrant.
3. Brush off the hydrant with wire brush and whisk broom to prepare for
paint.
4. Paint hydrant with the appropriate colors, as needed.
5. Stencil hydrant with appropriate numbers, as needed.
7. Install reflective blue dot hydrant marker if necessary.
8. If applicable, locate gate valve and remove casing cover. If necessary,
correct hydrant data in Field Maps to nearest one (1) foot.
9. Remove all hydrant caps, check gaskets, and replace if damaged.
Lubricate threads and replace 2-1/2-inch caps. If hydrant has two (2) or
more outlets, leave 4-1/2-inch outlet open.
10. Close gate valve. If gate valve is difficult to operate, open and close
until free. Do not force gate valve by using two (2) or more members on
key.
11. Open hydrant valve completely. Inspect seat and valve, nut and washer,
on bottom of cage, if applicable.
12. Close hydrant valve and open gate valve.
13. Open hydrant valve and flush main.
14. Shut down hydrant and replace cap.
15. Make appropriate Field Maps entry to indicate an inspection was
completed. Department members are to be held responsible for the
hydrant being left in operating condition.
Effective Date: October 2007 Stephanie Andersen, GIS Specialist
Current Revision Date: 07/24/2025 Section 206.019
Next Revision (2) Date: 07/24/2029 Page 10 of 12
FIRE HYDRANT MAINTENANCE KIT INVENTORY
The Fire Hydrant Maintenance Kit contains:
• Appropriate container for all required items
• Silver spray paint
• Green spray paint
• Red spray paint
• Yellow spray paint
• Black spray paint
• Blue spray paint (if maintaining high pressure hydrants)
• Graphite oil (pint)
• 1-inch stencils (complete set)
• Hydrant gaskets, 4-1/2"
• Hydrant gaskets, 2-1/2"
• Wire brush, long handle
• Blue hydrant markers
Effective Date: October 2007 Stephanie Andersen, GIS Specialist
Current Revision Date: 07/24/2025 Section 206.019
Next Revision (2) Date: 07/24/2029 Page 11 of 12
Reflective Blue Hydrant Marker Diagram:
Effective Date: October 2007 Stephanie Andersen, GIS Specialist
Current Revision Date: 07/24/2025 Section 206.019
Next Revision (2) Date: 07/24/2029 Page 12 of 12
INFORMATION
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DEFINITIONS
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CROSS-REFERENCES
Standard Operating Procedures Manual
Section 206.018, Fire Hydrant Program Policies