How often should every hydrant be checked?

The most appropriate frequency for checking every hydrant is once a year. This annual inspection ensures that hydrants are functional, accessible, and ready for use in emergencies. Regular annual checks help identify any maintenance needs or repairs required, which is critical for ensuring that the hydrants will operate effectively when needed, such as during fire response situations.

Conducting checks on a yearly basis also takes into account the more practical allocation of resources within fire departments, allowing for comprehensive assessments without being overly burdensome on personnel or operational capabilities. Seasonal factors, like freezing weather in winter or wear from general use, can impact a hydrant's functionality, further supporting the need for these annual evaluations to maintain reliability for quick access in emergencies.

Other frequencies, such as once a month or once every six months, may be too intensive for most fire departments, given the volume of hydrants and the resources available. Limited inspections only after significant weather events fail to ensure that issues are identified proactively instead of reactively, which could jeopardize firefighting efforts during critical incidents.