Quote:
Originally Posted by TiltonBB
... If there is a lot of packed snow around the hydrant there may be a freezing problem when the hydrant is needed. ...
|
I have a smidgen of knowledge of fire-hydrants (long boring story no other relevant details). A hydrant like the one you see here is actually a chamber assembly. When the supply valve is turn on, the water fills the chamber and flows out the spigot and into the hose. When you close the valve and remove the hose, the lack of pressure opens the drain valve at the bottom. You can put your hand over the opening and feel it pull like a vacuum cleaner.
Hydrants can and do freeze in extreme conditions but snow and ice actually insulate them at/near the freezing point. Ground heat is usually sufficient to keep the water from freezing as long as it is sufficiently below the surface to be under the frost line. Assuming the hydrant is properly constructed and installed.
It's been a long time since I was given this information so I might be off somewhere. Hopefully any relevant corrections will be provided by a professional.