Purpose Statement
This article explains how to configure Flow & Service settings within the Hydrants module. These settings define how hydrant outlet flow calculations are performed and how hydrants are managed when they are placed out of service, ensuring consistent operational and inspection workflows.
Background Information
The Flow & Service settings allow administrators to define parameters used during hydrant inspections and flow testing. These configurations control outlet size coefficients, pressure calculations, and service status requirements.
Proper configuration ensures:
Accurate hydrant flow calculations
Standardized inspection procedures
Compliance with operational and NFPA-based hydrant practices
Consistent documentation when hydrants are marked out of service
These settings should typically be configured during initial Hydrants module setup or reviewed periodically by system administrators.
Required Permissions
To configure Flow & Service options, users must have:
Hydrants Module Access
Hydrant Setup / Configuration permissions
Administrator or data management permissions
If the Hydrant Setup menu is not visible, contact your system administrator to review your role permissions.
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Open the Hydrants Module
Click the First Due icon in the upper-left corner of the screen.
Scroll through the module stack.
Select the Hydrants module.
2. Navigate to Hydrant Setup
Within the Hydrants module, open Hydrant Setup.
Locate and select the Flow & Service section.
3. Configure Outlet Size
Define the Outlet Size used for hydrant flow testing.
This represents the diameter of the hydrant outlet used during testing.
4. Set the Outlet Coefficient
Enter the Coefficient value.
The coefficient is dependent on the type of outlet used during hydrant flow testing.
This value is used in the system’s hydrant flow calculations.
5. Configure Target Pressure Differential (Optional)
Enter a Target Pressure Differential if your department uses a standard pressure value during flow tests.
This field is optional and can be configured based on departmental testing standards.
6. Enable Out-of-Service Reason Requirement
Toggle Require Reason for Out of Service if your department requires documentation when a hydrant is placed out of service.
When enabled, users must enter a reason whenever a hydrant is marked out of service.
7. Enable Automatic Hydrant Updates
Enable the Automatic Update toggle to allow the system to automatically update relevant hydrant fields based on Flow & Service configurations.
This ensures hydrant records remain consistent across inspections and testing results.
Review your settings.
Best Practices
Configure outlet sizes and coefficients based on standard hydrant outlet types used by your department.
Enable Out-of-Service reason tracking for accountability and maintenance documentation.
Review Flow & Service settings periodically to ensure they align with department flow testing procedures.
Coordinate setup with inspection and testing workflows to maintain consistent data entry.
Avoid:
Using incorrect coefficients for outlet types
Leaving service status tracking disabled if hydrants require maintenance documentation
Changing configuration settings without notifying hydrant inspection personnel
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Q: I cannot see the Flow & Service section.
A: Verify you have Hydrant Setup permissions or administrator access.
Q: What does the coefficient affect?
A: The coefficient is used in hydrant flow calculations and varies depending on outlet type and testing configuration.
Q: Why require a reason when placing hydrants out of service?
A: This helps track maintenance issues, repairs, and operational status changes for hydrants.
Q: Can these settings be changed later?
A: Yes. Administrators can modify Flow & Service settings at any time within Hydrant Setup.