When relocating an existing fire hydrant or having a new hydrant installed it requires extreme precision and expertise. The DEP has a detailed set of rules and regulations that the contractor must follow under the supervision of a DEP inspector. Along with these regulations, there is a process that all property owners must follow before receiving formal approval from DEP.
The team at Harris Water Main & Sewer has years of experience and training to handle fire hydrant installations in NYC in various conditions.
Read on to see how fire hydrant installation is carried out.
What Is the First Step?
The first step to having a new fire hydrant installed is to complete the “requirements and procedures” checklist including several items that you, the property owner, must provide to DEP. This checklist is obtained from the DEP hydrant division. A few of the items included on the checklist are photos of the location, a formal letter of request, consent from the adjacent property owner, contractor’s affidavit, approval from FDNY, DOT street opening permit, plumbing contractor’s license, etc.
Once all the required documents have been submitted to DEP, they will be reviewed and a formal notice will be issued. This documentation will give a detailed report covering all steps that you and your licensed plumber must take before installing the water main.
Each NYC fire hydrant installation or relocation differs from the next. As such, it is important for the fire hydrant contractor to review all details included in the notice to proceed as each line item may have an impact on the overall cost.
New Fire Hydrant Installation in NYC
When a new hydrant is installed, a portion of the NYC water main is removed to prepare for a new connection feeding the residential fire hydrant. When a section of the city water main is removed a tee (AKA three-way connection) is installed for the new section of piping that will feed water to your new hydrant.
Unlike water main or sewer installations, there is a DEP inspector on-site for the entire project from the initial excavation, to the DEP approved sand used to backfill around the piping and hydrant. Along with the hydrant and tee connection, a control valve is installed in the roadway, which is usually located directly in front of the hydrant. This allows the city to perform any maintenance on the hydrant without having to shut off the water for your entire neighborhood.
The new hydrant is installed above a drain base and stone which serves as a form of drainage when the hydrant is closed. Once the hydrant is closed all of the water on the inside is drained to avoid it from freezing over the winter months.
Re-Locating an Existing Hydrant
Relocating a new hydrant within 18’ of the existing hydrant is a similar process to the new hydrant installation. In most cases, NYC fire hydrant installation companies are not required to remove a section of the city main. If the existing hydrant shut off is functioning, it may be re-used.
In this case, the hydrant control valve is closed and the hydrant installation contractor will excavate from this point, down the sidewalk to the location of the new hydrant. These details may vary pending the steps included in the DEP approved paperwork. Upon installation, the DEP completes and inspects the fenders and final restoration of the concrete.
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