Which hydrant design features a drain hole to empty the barrel after use?

Which hydrant design features a drain hole to empty the barrel after use?

• A. Wet-barrel
• B. Dry-barrel
• C. Drafting
• D. Dead end

Answer: (B)

Dry-barrel hydrants are designed so the valve area stays dry and the water in the exposed barrel can drain after use. When the hydrant is shut off, a drain hole (or drain valve) allows the water in the barrel to flow back into the water main or drain area, emptying the barrel. This prevents freezing and keeps the interior dry for protection and maintenance. Wet-barrel hydrants always keep water in the barrel, so there isn’t a drain to empty after each use. Drafting hydrants are for drawing water from external sources and aren’t defined by a draining feature, and dead-end refers to location rather than drainage.

Dry-barrel hydrants are designed so the valve area stays dry and the water in the exposed barrel can drain after use. When the hydrant is shut off, a drain hole (or drain valve) allows the water in the barrel to flow back into the water main or drain area, emptying the barrel. This prevents freezing and keeps the interior dry for protection and maintenance. Wet-barrel hydrants always keep water in the barrel, so there isn’t a drain to empty after each use. Drafting hydrants are for drawing water from external sources and aren’t defined by a draining feature, and dead-end refers to location rather than drainage.