Water and hose question

[Guest]

How cold does it have to get before the water and hoses freeze?

Is the water in the tanks or hydrants kept at certain temp?

Edited November 18, 2008 by moosecfd368
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[firemoose827 324]

Generally, the freezing point is 30 degrees. The hydrants are "Winterized" by being emptied of any standing water, than adding antifreeze to keep them from freezing. In winter fires the pump operator is instructed to give the hydrant a quick flush prior to hooking up the hose to flush out any anti freeze still in the barrel.

[Remember585 815]

Dave,

1. Circulate your pump to reduce the chance of it freezing up.

2. Keep your nozzles open a bit so water keeps flowing. This will cut down the chance of your lines freezing.

3. Occassionally extend/retract aerials and move them around to keep them from freezing up.

Good question. Hope these responses help you.

[jack10562 414]

Water begins to freeze at 32 degrees F (0 C)and has to be standing still at that temperature for ice crystals to form.

Moving water in a firehose or river, will not freeze right away, and can actually get colder than "freezing" and stay in a liquid state, as long as it keeps moving.

A truck's tank water takes a very long time to cool off to where ice might begin to form. However the answer to that problem during extended outdoor exposure is to keep it "in pump" and circulate the water, again, moving water will not freeze as fast as standing water.

Hose couplings are a different concern, the threads themselves can freeze if it's cold enough outside, even with water moving through the hose.

The water in hydrants is usually deep enough and below the frost line to freeze. Hydrants that don't drain properly for whatever reason have anti-freeze added to the barrel.

[Guest]

Thanks Now i understand it LOL

We were doing hose test last nite it was snowing that made me wonder LOL

[Guest alsfirefighter]

Another point to consider and to remember is that ambient temperature is what effects the water and not wind chill index. It will take a considerable amount of time for the water in our booster tanks to freeze, what some of the main concern are your smaller valves and such which can freeze quicker due to their small diameter or if any valves are leaking slowly and can freeze shut. Excellent question to bring up Dave and good reminders by all who have posted!