At the bottom of the hydrant there are drain holes that allow drainage of the hydrant barrel. 

The drain valve moves downward when the hydrant is operated and closes the drain holes.  When the hydrant is closed, the drain valve opens the holes allowing the lower body to drain.  The purpose of the drain valve is to allow the fire hydrant barrel to drain properly after each use.

When the drain holes are plugged intentionally due to a high water table, the drain valve will not drain the hydrant barrel.  This will require pumping of the hydrant barrel after each use.  It is quite common that the drain holes are plugged with dirt in which case a complete restoration is required.

Our technicians are qualified and experienced enough to attempt unblocking the inner drain holes without excavation.  Sometimes though, if the external drain holes are blocked then hydro excavation is required in an attempt to reinstate proper drainage.

For the hydrants that do not drain, extra care is required to ensure that these hydrants do not freeze in the winter, as they will need to be pumped after each use.  If the water level is too high in the winter, freezing conditions could easily crack the body of the fire hydrant. 

Contact us today if you would like us to inspect your hydrants for proper drainage and rectify any potential problems that could arise from a non-draining fire hydrant.