A valved connection point that allows firefighters to tap directly into a pressurized water main. It features a main operating nut on top and multiple threaded discharge ports, typically two smaller ones for handlines and one large steamer connection for large-diameter supply hose. Hydrants are categorized as wet-barrel or dry-barrel depending on climate freezing risks.
Heard on the job
Engine 7, catch the fire hydrant at the corner of Main and Elm and lay in a supply line.
Insider tip
Firefighters frequently call them plugs, a holdover from the days of wooden water mains that were drilled into and then plugged with wood.
Also heard as
- plug
- fire plug