Dry hydrant systems are generally non-pressurized and are designed for use in a drafting application. The installation of these systems on alternate water supplies can provide year-round water sources for fire suppression. Installed in strategic areas, five or more dry hydrants can become the "water supply system" for rural fire departments where pressurized systems are either not available or where lines are to small to support needed fire flows. In many cases dry hydrants are called upon to supplement pressurized systems in municipal areas where low water pressure exist or where back-up systems are desirable for emergency preparedness. Dry hydrants can also be used in tanker shuttle operations and provide an excellent source of water for pump test. Equal ISO credit can be obtained on dry hydrants as would be obtained on a pressurized hydrant. Credit can be earned in several categories: inspection, water supply and as a water system with the installation of five (5) or more. Flows may be considered at the point of use, within a 1,000 feet, or may be transported to another location using a water shuttle.

Heads are designed in many shapes and sizes to fit the application. Generally most applications will have a large intake strainer located in the water source to prevent fish and other debris from entering the piping system during drafting. See "Strainers" for your specific application. NFPA 1142 "Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban & Rural Fire Fighting" outlines planning, permits, design, and installation of dry hydrant systems. Many of the design sketches found in this publication were provided by ETT.

The selection of a strainer is dependent upon the application and requirements to meet the needed fire flow (NFF). Factors which should be considered in selecting a strainer are: the depth of water source, type of source, flow conditions, drought conditions, flood possibilities, water source fluctuations, bottom conditions, floating debris, suspended debris, fish, Zebra Muscles, Barnacles, vertical lift and needed flow rate. Specific details on many of these concerns are provided for your consideration.

• Horizontal strainers have a patented V-shaped hole pattern, which assures low suction zones. Allows 100% pull down to the line of holes at 1,500 gpm with no pump cavitation.
• Optional strainer designs allow application customization to maximize system performance.
• PVC strainers have optional fixed or back flush end caps. These designs are engineered to promote maximum cleaning of strainer holes during back flushing. Back flush cap is molded closed and requires some back pressure before it will open fully.
• 100% corrosion free materials; either PVC or Aluminum construction.
• 6" Horizontal strainers are designed for unique single point SST support clamp. This clamp is adjustable to fit the desired height above the bottom.
• Strainers can also be made with a built-in check valve which will eliminate the danger of primer motor burnout when long dry pipes present themselves. (Maximum continuous priming time with most manufacturers is 1 minute)
• Screw-on design is available for salt water maintenance applications where removal for cleaning is necessary.
• Swimming pool strainers and flange kits are designed for vinyl concrete lined pools.

Size and Styles:

• Horizontal PVC strainers in 6" and 8" sizes.
• PVC Barrel strainers in 6", 8", 10" and 12" sizes.
• Bridge strainer and stream strainer are available inPVC Barrel strainers in 6", 8", 10" and 12" sizes.
• Check valves are available in both 6" and 8" sizes and can be adapted to any of the 6" or 8" styles.
• Swimming pool strainers for vinyl liners are available in 6" and 8" sizes.