How often should valves and hydrants be inspected in a distribution system?

Valves and hydrants are critical components of a water distribution system, and they should be inspected at least once a year to ensure their proper functioning and reliability. This regular inspection helps to identify any potential issues such as leaks, corrosion, or mechanical failures that could affect water flow and service delivery.

Annual inspections provide an opportunity to maintain and service these components proactively, reducing the risk of failures during emergencies. For example, a hydrant that hasn’t been checked for a year may not operate correctly in case of a fire, which could have serious consequences.

While inspecting these components every month might seem beneficial, it is typically unnecessary and can lead to inefficient use of resources. Similarly, inspections only after heavy rainfall may miss issues that could arise at other times, and waiting five years can lead to serious problems going undetected for too long. Therefore, the practice of inspecting valves and hydrants at least once a year strikes the right balance between maintaining system integrity and managing resources effectively.