What are dry hydrants also known as?

Dry hydrants are commonly referred to as drafting hydrants due to their specific function in fire suppression. A drafting hydrant is designed to allow firefighters to draw water from a static water source, such as a pond or a river, when traditional water supply options are limited. The term "drafting" refers to the process of using a hose to create a vacuum that draws water up from the source, enabling it to be pumped into firefighting equipment.

The design of a drafting hydrant typically includes a pipe that runs from the water source to a fitting close to the surface so that firefighters can easily connect their hoses and extract water. This contrasts with other types of hydrants, which may be connected directly to a pressurized municipal water system. Understanding how drafting hydrants function is crucial for effective firefighting in rural or suburban areas where access to municipal water supplies may be unavailable or insufficient.