Water Source
Determine the depth of water at piping entry location. In ponds, use low water level if known to ensure operation during droughts. A minimum of two feet of water over pipe is necessary to avoid cavitation.
Feet or Lift
Lift in excess of 15 feet needs to be avoided, a maximum of 10 feet for other than Class "A" pumps. The lift is the vertical distance from the water's surface to the hydrant outlet.
Accessibility
Hydrants should be located with the following considerations:
- All weather access.
- Sustained maximum grade of 8 percent.
- Road width minimum of 12 feet.
- Proper drainage of site.
- Proper measures to control erosion
Coordination
Permission of land owner is needed if site is on private property. Local fire department needs to be notified, and should also be discussed with home owner insurance carrier.
1. We feel the length of pipe should be held to around 40 feet maximum if at all possible. While the horizontal pipe should always be below water, that may not always be the case as the pipe should have a gradual slope toward the pond. During Drought conditions, long pipe lengths could lead to primer pump burnout.
2. Hydrants will need to be installed in deep water rather than in the shallow end. This is necessary due to the reach of a backhoe. On a shallow slope, the reach would exceed the 10 - foot to 12 - foot capability of most equipment.
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