What should be done if a fire hydrant is found to be leaking?

When a fire hydrant is found to be leaking, notifying the utility company is the appropriate action to take. This is important because utility companies are responsible for maintaining and repairing the infrastructure that includes fire hydrants. A leaking hydrant can lead to decreased water pressure and may hinder water availability during a fire emergency, compromising firefighting efforts.

Additionally, leaving the hydrant as is could lead to further complications, such as damage to the surrounding area or wasting water, while attempting to fix it immediately without proper training and authorization may pose safety risks or lead to additional damage. Using the hydrant for fire suppression in a compromised state would be unwise, as the effectiveness of the hydrant may be impaired due to the leak, potentially putting firefighters and the community at risk. Therefore, notifying the utility company ensures that the issue is addressed professionally and promptly.