Fire Hydrant Inspection Schedule

All Northville Township fire hydrants are inspected annually by Northville Township's Department of Public Services. We maintain more than 1,900 hydrants throughout the Township.

Fire Hydrant Inspection Process

Upon arriving at a fire hydrant location, the fire hydrant is given a visual inspection. Generally, we are looking for broken chains, flanges and bolts. We also note whether the fire hydrant needs painting. Next, we remove the steamer cap and activate the fire hydrant. We allow the fire hydrant to run long enough so that the water system is flushed. Upon completion, we pump out the stack, grease the steamer threads and replace the steamer cap. We then record the fire hydrant location with our GPS equipment. Prior to leaving, we attach a new inspection tag.

Clearing Hydrants in Winter Months 

During the winter months, please help clear fire hydrants with 3 feet access around the hydrant. This helps firefighters see and access hydrants quickly, which can assist in reducing response time to fight fires.

Fire Hydrant Flushing and Winterization

During the months of October and November, we winterize the fire hydrants, which includes hydrant flushing. By discharging a large volume of water through a fire hydrant, water flow within the pipeline is increased and scours the inside of the pipelines, removing and then transporting silt and mineral deposits out of the water system. This powerful water jet is the best practice to clean and refresh our water distribution system. After a hydrant is flushed, residents might experience water that looks dirty or has sediment in the water coming from their faucet tap. Flushing water through internal systems, by running cold water for 5 to 15 minutes, preferably in a bathroom tub or shower, will help relieve this symptom. If, after flushing your water pressure or volume seems low, clean faucet screens to remove silt and mineral sediment that could be obstructing water flow.

Fire Hydrant Replacement

Through our inspection process we determine that a fire hydrant may need replacement.  During the summer and fall months, we are replacing hydrants to ensure the safety of our residents, businesses and visitors.  

As anything exposed to the elements in Michigan, hydrants need painting to ensure that the hydrant is visible to our Fire Department, particularly in rainy or snowy weather.