How to Install a Private Fire Hydrant

Private fire hydrants are indeed becoming increasingly popular in California and other states due to the heightened risk of wildfires across the United States. The upfront cost of installation and necessary fire equipment is a small price to pay compared to the potential loss of one's home. To assist homeowners with these expenses, we would like to provide recommendations on the most economical way to purchase the fire equipment required for a private fire hydrant installation.

What is a Private Fire Hydrant?

A private fire hydrant is a crucial component for fire protection on residential properties. Unlike public fire hydrants maintained by the local municipality, private fire hydrants are the responsibility of the property owner. Private fire hydrants are typically legal because they are installed after the water meter.

Why Install a Private Fire Hydrant?

Installing a private fire hydrant can significantly enhance fire safety on your property, particularly in rural areas where fire department response times may be longer. Unlike standard garden hoses connected to spigots, private fire hydrants provide a reliable and high-volume water source for firefighters. It's important to note that standard garden hose spigots cannot be converted into private hydrants due to limitations in the piping.

When to use a Private Fire Hydrant?

If you are in a fire evacuation zone, please refrain from using your hydrant. Local firefighters may need to access it for firefighting efforts. We do recommend that you connect your hoses and nozzles, as firefighters may need to utilize them. Homeowners can extinguish small fires caused by flying embers from distant wildfires only. Don't be a hero, homes can be replaced.

Steps to Install a Private Fire Hydrant

1. Obtain necessary permits: Before installing a private fire hydrant, check with your local fire department to obtain the required permits and ensure compliance with regulations.

2. Choose the location: Select a strategic location for the fire hydrant that is easily accessible to firefighters and within the required distance from buildings. We recommend large property owners to install a private fire hydrant in the front and rear of the property.

3. Dig the hole: Excavate a hole deep enough to accommodate the hydrant assembly, ensuring proper drainage to prevent water accumulation. Add cement around the base of the piping to ensure a solid foundation.

4. Hire a plumber to install the piping: Connect the water source piping after the water meter to the hydrant location, ensuring proper sizing and materials for optimal performance. We recommend a minimum of 1 1/2" inside diameter. A backflow preventer is required the majority of the time.

5. Assemble the hydrant: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to assemble the hydrant, including the valve, nozzle, and any additional components.

6. Test the hydrant: Once installed, test the hydrant to ensure proper functionality and water flow, making any necessary adjustments.

7. Final inspection: Schedule a final inspection with the local fire department to verify compliance with regulations and ensure the hydrant is ready for use. Some cities require they the hydrant is painted red or yellow.

Maintenance and Inspection

Regular maintenance and inspection of your private fire hydrant are essential to ensure its proper function in case of a fire. Inspect the hydrant periodically for leaks, damage, or obstructions, and perform any necessary repairs promptly.

By following these steps and staying proactive with maintenance, you can ensure that your private fire hydrant is ready to protect your property in the event of a fire emergency.

Fire Equipment Needed for Private Fire Hydrant

1. There's many ways to install a private hydrant. The majority of the time plumbers start with a 1 1/2" or 2" inside diameter water line from the water source and install a vertical piping above the ground around 32" to 36" high. For this article, we will use a 1 1/2" water line. Then cement is used around the base of the pipping to secure it when in use.

2. From here, we sell all the required fire equipment needed from gate valves, adapters, forestry hoses and nozzles.

3. A ninety degree gate valve is installed on the top of the vertical pipe with female NPT inlet threads and NH outlet threads. A gate valve is added to turn on or off the water supply.

4. At this point home owners determine if they want to use one or two hoses from the newly installed hydrant. If you choose to use only one hose line, you just need a cap for the valve, nozzle, hose(s) and a spanner wrench. If you choose to use two hoses, a gated wye valve is added to allow the to use one or both hoses at the same time. Gated wye valves have one inlet 1 1/2" and with two outlets. The outlets are available with two 1 1/2" NH threads or two 1" NPSH threads. Note - Forestry 1" hoses are NPSH threads only.

Private Fire Hydrant System Recommendations

Fifty foot sections of hoses are easier to handle and store. Large rubber bands are used for storage of fire hoses
Spanner wrenches help with connection and removing hoses and adapters
Use a cap to protect gate valves and gated wyes threads when not in use
Hoses should be stored inside, not in a box outside and exercised (Flow water) at least once a year
All valves should be exercised by flowing water at least once a year
Before evacuation, connect all hoses and nozzles
If two hose lines from one private hydrant is desired, we recommend using a gated wye valve with 1 1/2" inlet x two 1" NPSH outlet
Test your system performance with 50 foot hoses first and add additional hoses later
Yellow forestry hoses are more durable than white forestry hoses