Why does the fire department “flush” hydrants?
There are over one thousand fire hydrants within the Ithaca Fire Department’s response district. Each year, during the warmer months, the fire department “flow tests” selected hydrants within our fire district. Our objective is to flow test one hydrant “system” each year. Any particular hydrant will be tested at least once every ten years. By doing this, we are accomplishing many things: (1) We determine the flow potential in gallons per minute based on data we collect including static and residual pressures as well as a pitot reading (velocity pressure). (2) We exercise all the moving parts on the hydrant. In doing this, we occasionally identify problems with the hydrant which could adversely affect water supply during fire fighting operations. (3) We inspect, lubricate, and properly secure the caps so that they will function properly when needed. (4) We color code the hydrants based on their flow potential in accordance with national standards. Doing this helps us recognize what a pa
