Fire Hydrants
Fire Hydrant Installation, Relocation & Repair
SMC Contracting provides fire hydrant installation, relocation, replacement, and repair services for municipal and private development projects throughout Palm Beach County. Fire hydrants are a critical component of any water distribution system, and their proper installation and maintenance is essential for public safety and code compliance.
Our crews work closely with local municipalities and fire departments to ensure hydrants are installed to specification, properly connected to the water main, and meet all flow and pressure requirements. Whether your project requires new hydrant installations for a subdivision, relocation of existing hydrants for road widening, or replacement of aging hydrants, we have the experience and equipment to handle the job.
Our Fire Hydrant Services Include:
- New Fire Hydrant Installation: Complete installation including connection to the water main, valve assembly, and concrete thrust blocking.
- Fire Hydrant Relocation: Moving existing hydrants to accommodate new construction, road improvements, or utility conflicts.
- Fire Hydrant Replacement: Removing old or damaged hydrants and installing new units that meet current specifications.
- Fire Hydrant Repair: Addressing leaks, broken components, and other issues to restore hydrants to working order.
- Flow Testing: Coordinating with the municipality for hydrant flow testing to verify adequate water supply and pressure.
Meeting Palm Beach County Fire Flow & Installation Standards
For new site development in Palm Beach County, SMC Contracting ensures your fire protection system meets the strict criteria set by the Palm Beach County Fire Marshal. This includes guaranteeing a minimum flow of 1,500 GPM at 20 PSI for standard commercial sites, and adhering to the 500-foot maximum spacing between hydrants in non-residential zones. We install hydrants compliant with PBCWUD standards, featuring the required 5-1/4" main valve and locking caps, and ensure the location adheres to the mandated 7.5' clearance to prevent traffic impact. Whether you are a developer in West Palm Beach dealing with DCDA requirements or a property owner needing repair on an existing Town of Palm Beach private hydrant, our expertise covers the entire regulatory landscape.
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Authority | The Fire Marshal has final say on flow requirements and hydrant location. PBCWUD maintains county hydrants and sets installation specifications. |
| Flow Requirements | Minimum 1,500 GPM at 20 PSI for non-sprinklered commercial sites; 1,000 GPM at 20 PSI for sprinklered buildings. Residential requirements vary by density. |
| Installation Specs | 5-1/4" main valve, locking caps with chains, 7.5' minimum clearance from traffic. Must comply with PBCWUD Potable Water Design Standards and approved materials list. |
| Spacing | Maximum 500 ft between hydrants in non-residential zones; maximum 800 ft in residential zones. |
| Private vs. Public | New private hydrants are generally disallowed county-wide. Owners are responsible for maintenance of existing private hydrants. Public hydrant leaks should be reported to the local water utility. |
| Maintenance | Annual full-flow flushing required. Nonfunctional hydrants must be immediately red-tagged and reported per NFPA 25 and AWWA M17 standards. |
Local Resources & References
- PBCFR Hydrant Flow Test Request Form (PDF)
- PBCFR Fire Hydrant Minimum Standards (PDF)
- PBCWUD Potable Water Design Standards (PDF)
- PBCWUD Minimum Design Standards
- NFPA 25 — Inspection, Testing & Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems
- NFPA 24 — Installation of Private Fire Service Mains
All fire hydrant work is performed in coordination with the local water utility and in compliance with applicable codes and standards. Contact us to discuss your project requirements.
