Hydrants: Repair or replace

In the realm of urban infrastructure, fire hydrants stand as silent sentinels that need to spring into action at a moment's notice. However, as these crucial components of our cities age, a pressing question emerges: should utilities continue to repair aging hydrants, or is it time for a wholesale replacement? One should also take into consideration that hydrants older than 30 or 40 years may not be as reliable, especially if they have not received regular maintenance.

Hidden dangers of aging hydrants

Recent incidents have highlighted the dangers of non-operational old hydrants, such as Pickens County, Georgia where firefighters were unable to extinguish a house fire because the nearest hydrant couldn’t provide sufficient water. The hydrants in the neighborhood were not designed for firefighting, and a broken water line further complicated the situation. In the Dunbar Township, Pennsylvania two families lost their homes in separate fires in 2021 and 2022 due to malfunctioning hydrants.

While anecdotal evidence is compelling, the statistics paint an even more alarming picture. A comprehensive study conducted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) revealed that:

Approximately 18% of hydrants over 50 years old fail during emergency situations.
Hydrants between 30-40 years old have a failure rate of 12% during critical moments.
The average lifespan of a fire hydrant is estimated to be 50 years, yet many municipalities are using hydrants well beyond this recommended timeframe.

These figures highlight a disturbing trend: as hydrants age, their reliability decreases significantly, putting lives and property at risk.

The economics of repairs

As hydrants age beyond their warranty periods, the cost of repairs can quickly escalate. Replacement parts for outdated models become increasingly scarce and expensive, leading to a cycle of diminishing returns on repair investments.

Moreover, the unpredictable nature of hydrant failures means that municipalities often find themselves facing unexpected repair costs, straining already tight budgets. This reactive approach to maintenance not only proves costly but also leaves communities vulnerable during emergencies.

Regular maintenance is key in preventing the deterioration of hydrant parts like operating nuts, nozzle threads, and seats, which can suffer from wear and tear or damage from over-tightening. Preventative maintenance can catch issues before they escalate into expensive problems, ensuring hydrants are functional during emergencies.

Embracing technological advancements

Replacing old hydrants offers an opportunity to leap into the future of water management technology. Modern hydrants are not just more reliable; they're smarter. Equipped with cutting-edge features like leak detection technology, these new hydrants can transform a passive water distribution network into an intelligent, responsive system.

One such innovation is the EchoShore-DX system, which can be integrated into new or existing hydrants. This technology provides real-time data and can detect leaks with remarkable precision. The benefits of such a system include:

Early leak detection prevents unnecessary water loss and helps to minimize the cost of repairs. Real-time data allows for proactive maintenance, reducing the likelihood of failures during emergencies.
Improved water conservation contributes to sustainability goals.

Mueller estimates it has saved 1.8 billion gallons of water loss through use of its leak detections technology.^[1]

In 2019, the city of Baltimore reported losing 23.4% of its water to leaks, costing the city an estimated $35 million annually. A substantial part of this loss was traced back to aging hydrants and associated infrastructure.

The long-term financial perspective

While the initial cost of replacing hydrants may seem daunting, it's essential to consider the long-term financial benefits:

Reduced maintenance costs: New hydrants require less frequent maintenance, reducing ongoing labor and parts expenses.
Energy savings: Modern hydrants often incorporate more efficient designs, reducing pumping costs over time.
Avoided damage costs: By preventing major leaks and failures, new hydrants can save municipalities millions in potential damage repairs.
Improved insurance ratings: Updated hydrant systems can lead to better fire protection ratings, potentially lowering insurance premiums for the entire community. The Insurance Services Office (ISO) reports that communities improving their fire protection rating can see homeowner insurance premium reductions of up to 10%.

The city of Phoenix, Arizona, implemented a proactive hydrant replacement program in 2018. By 2023, they reported a 40% reduction in annual maintenance costs and a 60% decrease in emergency repair incidents.

Public safety and trust

Perhaps the most compelling argument for replacing old hydrants or upgrading is the immeasurable value of public safety and trust. When a fire breaks out, every second counts. The knowledge that hydrants will function reliably can make the difference between a contained incident and a devastating loss. Moreover, visible investment in critical infrastructure like fire hydrants sends a powerful message to the community. It demonstrates a commitment to public safety and proactive governance, fostering trust between citizens and their local authorities.

The decision to replace aging hydrants is more than a matter of infrastructure management; it's a commitment to the safety, efficiency, and future of our communities. By investing in replacement and modernization, utilities can address the immediate concerns of public safety and also pave the way for smarter, more resilient cities.