Why Are NYC Fire Hydrants Black?

[x635 4,066]

I've always wondered why NYC fire hydrants are black? Is it so they blend in to the neighborhoods more? Is it because they don't need to be visible because the companies know where they are? Is there some history behind it.

Hopefully, a fellow member can shed some light.

[wraftery 1,275]

I've always wondered why NYC fire hydrants are black?

Because hey are.

[SageVigiles 1,194]

So dogs can't see them...

Honestly I have no idea.

[helicopper 1,050]

They started out white but the city cut funding in the budget for keeping them clean so now they're just so dirty they look black.

[wraftery 1,275]

Seriously, from time to time NYC hydrants have been known to sneak out of the city in search of a better life in the suberbs. To address this issue, the City decided to paint all their hydrants black so the escaped hydrants are easily spotted by the Watershed Police and returned to the city.

[Bnechis 3,961]

Seriously, from time to time NYC hydrants have been known to sneak out of the city in search of a better life in the suberbs. To address this issue, the City decided to paint all their hydrants black so the escaped hydrants are easily spotted by the Watershed Police and returned to the city.

I wonder how effective that has been. I know of 4 in NR. All on private property (none on mine) and some have been plumbed to provide a garden hose.

[grumpyff 1,159]

Federal court order.

[on the job 68]

A standard for NYC for over 80 years....reasons are the black barrels do not soil and are cheap to maintain,as the the bonnets are painted silver protects agaist corrosion and are easy to see at night.

[RWC130 594]

That is exactly what I heard when I asked this question a few years ago.

CHEAP TO MAINTAIN!

I guess it's all about Saving the $$$ (as pointed out maybe some history too)

[tbendick 27]

We do have other colors. Black is just the basic hydrant with less need to clean it. They do get a regular paint job, just painted most in our area.

[gamewell45 258]

Lowes had a sale on black paint.