Different Types of Fire Hydrant Systems and Their Uses

Fire safety is an important part of any building, whether residential, commercial, or industrial. Among the several fire protection systems, fire hydrant systems are an essential one to control and douse fires. Fire hydrant systems offer a credible source of water for fire fighting and can save lives and property. In this blog, we are going to talk about the different types of fire hydrant systems, their components, how they work, and where they are used. Knowing fire hydrant systems is useful because it will ensure you have the right system for your building, and also, it will get maintained properly. Let us find out more about such systems and discover the most widely used ones for fire safety.
What is a Fire Hydrant System?
A fire hydrant system is a combination of pipes, valves, and hydrants through which water is supplied for fire extinguishing work. When a fire breaks out, firefighters use the hydrant to access water from the city supply or a private reservoir. These are located strategically across the property to offer quick access to water in case of an emergency. How the system works is that it provides hoses to be hooked up to hydrants by fire departments, and they get to pump plenty of water right onto the fire. It is crucial that the hydrant system be properly maintained and accessible because it plays an important role in minimizing the extent of fire damage.
Types of Fire Hydrant Systems
There are primarily two types of fire hydrant systems utilized in various installations: wet hydrant systems and dry hydrant systems. Both of them have their own features, and the choice depends upon climatic conditions, water supply, and protection demands.
1. Wet Hydrant System
Wet hydrant system is also the most common fire hydrant system, especially in places where the temperature never goes below freezing. In a wet hydrant system, water is always stored within the hydrant. In case of a fire situation, the firefighters just open the valve, and the water travels straight through the pipes and out of the hydrant.
Components:
- Fire Hydrant Valve: This is for regulating the water supply to the hydrant.
- Main Water Supply: Either a municipal or private reservoir is utilized.
- Distribution Pipes: These pipes convey the water from the reservoir to the hydrant.
Applications:
- Urban areas: Wet hydrant systems are normally applied where there is an available and constant water supply in urban areas.
- Mild Climates: For those areas having no freezing temperatures, wet hydrant systems are beneficial since there is no risk of the water freezing in pipes.
Advantages:
- Water is available immediately when needed.
- Easy to work and maintain, as the water remains in the system at all times.
Disadvantages:
- Wet hydrant systems present issues like frozen pipes or failed valves in winter in areas with freezing temperatures.
2. Dry Hydrant System
A dry hydrant system, on the other hand, does not have stored water in the hydrant or pipes at all times. Water is actually stored in an external source like a pond, river, or tank. When there is a fire break out, firefighters clamp hoses to the hydrant, and a pump draws water from the external source.
Components:
- Dry Hydrant Valve: Usually mounted at the base of the hydrant and opened to release water when needed.
- Water Source: Maybe a nearby lake, pond, or water tank.
- Pump System: A pump draws water from the external source and feeds it to the hydrant for fire-fighting use.
- Rural and Remote Areas: Dry hydrant systems are installed in rural or remote areas where municipal water supply systems are not available or insufficient.
- Cold Weather Areas: Dry hydrant systems are most suitable for cold weather areas where freezing temperatures may make wet hydrant systems ineffective. Since the water is external to the pipes, the chances of freezing are minimal.
Advantages:
- Operates effectively in areas with poor access to municipal water systems.
- Ideal for locations where there is freezing weather.
Disadvantages:
- Require an outside source of water, not always present when in drought conditions.
- Harder to install, as it requires to be installed near a water source.
3. Underwater Hydrant System
Underwater hydrant system is installed in water bodies like lakes, reservoirs, or rivers. Submerged valves, operated by the fire personnel, are employed in this type of hydrant system to withdraw stored water in the water body.
Applications:
- Waterfront Properties: Ideal for properties that are near water bodies where firemen have easy access to water in order to extinguish fire.
- Industrial Settings: Installed in large industrial plants adjacent to water bodies.
Benefits:
- Excellent for areas located near large bodies of water.
- Reduces the reliance on a municipal water supply.
Disadvantages:
- Not suitable for inland areas without access to water bodies.
- Installation and maintenance can be more complex and expensive.
4. Deluge Fire Hydrant System
A deluge fire hydrant system is a complex firefighting system designed for dangerous areas. It has a fire hydrant system with a master water supply that can deliver high volumes of water at the same time. The system is most effective in situations where there is a need for immediate action to restrict the spread of fires.
Applications:
- High-Risk Industrial Locations: Fitted in chemical plants, oil refineries, and other dangerous industries.
- Large Commercial Buildings: Typically fitted in large business complexes with high-risk fires.
Advantages:
- Has instant and large water flow to suppress the fire.
- Perfect for spaces where the risk of fire is high.
Disadvantages:
- Costly to install and keep in check.
- Needs routine checks to ensure proper working condition of the system.
How to Choose the Right Fire Hydrant System
The selection of the correct fire hydrant system relies on various factors. Think about the following in order to decide on the best option for your property:
Location: Urban areas have wet hydrant systems as a norm, but in rural and distant areas, dry hydrant systems can prove useful.
Climate: Dry hydrants are more useful in chilly climates because they are free from the possibility of freezing during winter.
Water Availability: Facilities that have limited access to water supply or municipal water supply may need specialized systems like underwater hydrants or dry hydrants connected with natural water supply.
Fire Hazard: Unusual properties like factory premises may have special hydrant systems, including deluge systems, to address big fires.
Maintenance of Fire Hydrant Systems
For fire hydrant systems to function effectively during an emergency situation, regular maintenance is important. Below are some guidelines on how to maintain them:
Regular Inspection: Ensure that the hydrants are clear of debris or vegetation clogging and are accessible to the firemen.
Pressure Tests: Periodic pressure tests to ensure water flow at the optimal level.
Repairs: Faulty or damaged components, such as valves need to be repaired or replaced.
System Flush: Periodically flush the hydrant system to remove sediment or debris from the pipes.
Conclusion
Fire hydrant systems form an essential part of any fire protection system. An effective system can significantly reduce fire damage and prevent loss of lives. Regardless of whether you live in a town or country, it is beneficial to understand the different kinds of hydrant systems and their uses in order to make a well-informed decision. Each system type, such as wet, dry, underwater, or deluge, has its own merits depending on the environment and fire risk. It is also crucial to keep the systems from time to time in order to ensure they work effectively when most needed.