Drafting with Hard Suction

[Firefighter430]

Drafting with Hard Suction

Last night we had drill and we drafted from a dry-hydrant using 6” PVC lightweight hard suction. When I went through a class years ago the instructor told us to put a bend in the suction hose and not to try to line the intake with the hydrant. He said it would help get a draft sooner but I don’t remember why. Last night the question was asked and I told the member I would get back to them with a more detailed explanation so I pose the question to the forum. Does it help? If so why? I have done it that way since that class but if there is a simpler or better way I’m all for it so any help would be appreciated.

[pete892]

It's faster to get draft because it is faster to hook up. A slight bend in the hard suction gives you some flexibility in getting the distance from engine to hydrant right. Try to do it straight and you will struggle and thus take longer. The other important thing with hard suction is for the firefighter holding the hose to look away from the one making the connection. Otherwise, they will fight each other.

My experience with dry hydrants is that often it is easier and quicker to use a float dock strainer and just dump it in unless the water source is not easy to get to. Most dry hydrants need to be back flushed before use.

Hope this helps.

Stay Safe,

Pete

[Firefighter430]

Pete thanks for the reply. I agree about the float dock strainer. I rather use one myself. Seems to draft faster than a dry-hydrant. Really and truely thats about the only time we hook up is to flush and train it seems anyway

[E229Lt]

Don't use the Front Suction!!!

[42VTExplorer]

Originally posted by E229Lt
Don't use the Front Suction!!!

[FlyingKiwi]

When setting up for a deep lift we use a length of rope to tie off each section after it is connected.

Imagine a $ where the line ties off the suction hose from connector to connector with a slight opposing bend for each section.

This allows the line to be tied off to the truck, and take the strain of the suction lengths and the water contained therein. Reduces strain on the connections (You tie it below the connection DUH!) and ensures a good seal is maintained.

Putting a bend in the hard suction will not change the physics of doing a lift. Think about it, you still have to create the same vacuum (Read, remove the same amount of air) inside the suction if it is straight or bent.

The volume inside did not change because you bent the bloody hose.

The other important thing with hard suction is for the firefighter holding the hose to look away from the one making the connection

Yup, and putting your tounge in the left cheek works just as well.

E229LT.
Barman deserves a Beer for that one.

[pete892]

Unless you have a front mount pump.

Stay Safe,

Pete