It is standard practice to install fire hydrants on mains with diameters of how many inches or larger?

Fire hydrants are typically installed on water mains with diameters of 6 inches or larger because this size provides adequate water flow and pressure needed for firefighting purposes. The 6-inch minimum diameter ensures that there is sufficient capacity for fire flow requirements, allowing for multiple hydrants to be operated simultaneously if needed. Smaller mains, such as those with a 4-inch diameter, may not be able to deliver the required volume of water efficiently, which can compromise firefighting efforts.

In addition, a 6-inch main allows for the installation of a hydrant connection that maintains sufficient flow and pressure even during peak use or emergency situations. As the fire flow demands can be significant, this standard helps ensure public safety and effective emergency response capabilities. Thus, the decision to use a 6-inch diameter as a baseline reflects best practices in water distribution system design and public safety needs.