How often should fire hydrants be checked?

Checking fire hydrants is critical for maintaining public safety and ensuring they function effectively during emergencies. The correct frequency for checking fire hydrants is typically once a year. This annual check allows for the assessment of the hydrants’ operational readiness, including inspecting for any physical damage, testing functionality, and ensuring that the hydrant is adequately accessible.

Annual inspections provide sufficient opportunity for identifying and addressing any issues that may affect performance, such as corrosion, blockages, or leaks. Regular maintenance aids in early detection of potential problems that could lead to failures when the hydrants are needed most during firefighting operations.

In contrast to the other options, which suggest more frequent or infrequent checks, once-a-year inspections strike the right balance between routine maintenance and resource management, making it the standard approach in most jurisdictions. This frequency ensures that the equipment is reliable without overextending resources on checks that would not yield significant additional safety benefits.