How to Install a Fire Hydrant Valve Cap?

When opening a fire hydrant, fire personnel must know what to expect, and where to find it. The National Fire Protection Agency has provided guidelines for common colors and flow rates of fire hydrants, which must be implemented by the appropriate agencies. Here's what to look for when installing a fire hydrant valve cap. The valve cap should be placed over the water nozzle, and not below it. For safety reasons, valve caps should be secured with a bolt or nut.

For existing fire hydrants, this procedure involves machining a hole in the port-cap to accommodate a check-valve. It's usually a simple in-factory operation and does not require any machining in the field. If the hydrant is not in use, you can leave it to drain on its own once it's drained. Alternatively, you can leave it open and allow it to drain naturally.

Once the valve cap is removed from the valve nozzle, use a screwdriver or other suitable tool to remove the old valve cover. A strong plastic zip tie or another suitable fastener is included in the kit. This fastener secures the barrel cover to the base of the fire hydrant. Cap covers are secured with cap covers using the fasteners that come with the assembly kit. If you're in the market for a fire hydrant cover, you can purchase a shrinkable one.

Fire hydrants have multiple threaded outlets. The most common ones are 2.5" NH/NST. The standard fire standpipe valve is 1.5" to 2.5" NH/NST. Fire hydrants are also equipped with an external valve. Changing this valve requires removing the port-cap. This method of opening the valve can prevent any backflow. However, it requires some special skills and expertise to do this properly.