When is a dry-barrel hydrant necessary?

A dry-barrel hydrant is specifically designed for use in climates that experience freezing temperatures. This type of hydrant prevents water from remaining in the barrel of the hydrant during cold weather, as any trapped water could freeze and cause the hydrant to become inoperable. When a dry-barrel hydrant is used, water flows only from the main when the hydrant is opened, and the barrel drains completely when the hydrant is closed.

This design is essential in freezing conditions to ensure that firefighters can access reliable water sources without the risk of hydrants being frozen and unusable during emergencies. Other scenarios, such as being pump-fed or located at the end of a cul-de-sac, do not inherently require the specialized construction of a dry-barrel hydrant that addresses the unique challenges posed by cold weather.

Thus, the need for a dry-barrel hydrant arises primarily from the potential for freezing conditions in the area where the hydrant is located.