What is the best practice when hooking up to a hydrant with the anticipation of additional lines?

• A. Install a butterfly valve on the main line
• B. Use multiple gate valves on all discharges
• C. Install a gate valve on the smaller hydrant discharge
• D. Directly connect multiple lines without valves

Answer: (C)

The best practice when hooking up to a hydrant with the anticipation of additional lines is to install a gate valve on the smaller hydrant discharge. This approach allows for better control over water flow from the hydrant. By having a gate valve in place, the operator can regulate the water pressure and flow when multiple lines are connected, ensuring that each line receives an adequate supply without causing pressure fluctuations that can compromise firefighting efforts.

Additionally, installing a gate valve provides flexibility because it allows operators to close off sections of the line if needed, whether to isolate a problem area or when adjusting the flow for operational effectiveness. This control is crucial in dynamic firefighting situations where demand can rapidly change.

In contrast, other options do not provide the same level of control or operational efficiency. For example, using multiple gate valves on all discharges may complicate operations unnecessarily, while direct connections without valves can lead to uncontrolled water flow and pressure issues, making it harder to manage multiple lines effectively.