The valves operate independently so adding a second or third hose line
to the hydrant during a fire doesn't require a shut down.
Children can't remove the caps and drop foreign objects down the body. These hydrants are easy to recondition and place back into service. A 100+ year life expectancy is not unreasonable for those wet barrels that are well constructed. The only reason that 1800s vintage hydrants are not presently being overhauled and returned to service when removed is due to their lead nozzle and valve carrier seats which raise water quality concerns. Thousands, however, still remain in service. |
Top Cutaway View of a Wet Barrel Hydrant: 1 Stem Guide Seal 2 Body 3 Stem 4 Stem O-ring 5 Valve Rubber 6 Retainer 7 O-ring Seat 8 Retaining Nut 9 Cotter Pin 10 Stem Guide O-ring 11 Stem Guide 12 Carrier 13 Valve Seat 14 Cap 15 Cap Washer 16 Chain Ring |
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