Standpipe

If you didn’t look, you wouldn’t notice, but there are fire hydrants all along most streets in the UK. They are stored underground and are often identified by a yellow H or yellow sign nearby with an H.

These are where the fire service can come along and attach their hoses to give them an unlimited supply of water. And they do this using standpipes which bring the water to the surface and allows them to attach their large hoses to. These are available with one or two outlets and with check valves which ensure water flows in the right direction.

Many contractors also use standpipes, and the smaller version converts the large 2.5-inch outlet to the standard connection you’d use for your garden hose. A hydrant can only be used with express permission from the water board, and you must ensure you follow their strict guidelines.

To turn the hydrant one once your standpipe is connected, a hydrant key/T-bar will make it easy and will help you to avoid the hassle of trying to reach down and turn it on my hand.