Hydrants shall be lubricated to ensure that all stems, caps, plugs and threads are in proper operating condition. Which components are included?

• A. Stems, caps, plugs and threads
• B. Valves only
• C. Hose connections
• D. Seals only

Answer: (A)

Lubrication of hydrants focuses on keeping moving and interface parts operating smoothly so the hydrant can be opened and closed reliably. The components that need lubrication are the stems, caps, plugs, and the threads. Stems are the moving pieces that transmit the turning force when you operate the hydrant, caps protect and seal the outlets, plugs seal openings, and threads are what allow these parts to screw together and apart. Lubrication on these surfaces reduces friction, prevents corrosion, and helps prevent sticking or binding over time, ensuring proper operation.

Other options don’t fit because they miss essential parts: concentrating only on valves ignores the stems, caps, plugs, and their threading; hose connections aren’t the focus of this lubrication requirement; and seals alone don’t address the moving interfaces and threads that also need lubrication.