What maintenance action should be taken if a hydrant cap is damaged or missing?

What maintenance action should be taken if a hydrant cap is damaged or missing?

• A. Ignore the issue until the next inspection.
• B. Notify the AHJ and replace the hydrant.
• C. Repair or replace the cap and report the issue.
• D. Seal the hydrant cap to keep it in service.

Answer: (C)

When a hydrant cap is damaged or missing, the protective cover function is lost and the hydrant is exposed to dirt, tampering, and potential contamination. The proper maintenance action is to repair or replace the cap and report the issue so the hydrant’s condition is documented and corrective action can be taken promptly. This keeps the hydrant functional, protects the internal mechanisms, and ensures it remains ready for use during an emergency. Ignoring the issue or sealing the hydrant to keep it in service doesn’t restore protection or accountability, and replacing the entire hydrant is unnecessary unless there are additional, related deficiencies.