Fire hydrants
Our hydrant team are responsible for ensuring the hydrants in the West Midlands are operating correctly. If they aren't you need to let us know.
Fire hydrants in the West Midlands
The West Midlands Fire Service is entrusted with the upkeep of around 47,000 fire hydrants throughout the region. It is our duty to guarantee that these essential fire-fighting tools are well-maintained and accessible at all times.
Our fire hydrants are identified by a post or plate marker nearby, typically labelled with 'H' or 'FH'. The numbers signify the nearby hydrant location, pipe size, and distance from the marker.
The hydrants themselves are typically not visible. They aren't the same as those colourful pillar-like hydrants you might see in American films or TV. In the UK, they're usually taps under the road or pavement beneath a small metal plate. Usually, they're labelled 'FH'. You'll often find them under covers on roads, footpaths, or verges.
Our dedicated team of Hydrant Maintenance Technicians routinely inspect and test the hydrants, fix any minor issues and report significant faults. Major repair work, however, is managed by the local water company.
Occasionally, hydrant markers may need to be relocated - for example, when a property owner wants to widen a driveway. If this is the case, you can complete the short form at the bottom of this page to get in touch.
Our fire hydrants are identified by a post or plate marker nearby, typically labelled with 'H' or 'FH'. The numbers signify the nearby hydrant location, pipe size, and distance from the marker.
The hydrants themselves are typically not visible. They aren't the same as those colourful pillar-like hydrants you might see in American films or TV. In the UK, they're usually taps under the road or pavement beneath a small metal plate. Usually, they're labelled 'FH'. You'll often find them under covers on roads, footpaths, or verges.
Our dedicated team of Hydrant Maintenance Technicians routinely inspect and test the hydrants, fix any minor issues and report significant faults. Major repair work, however, is managed by the local water company.
Occasionally, hydrant markers may need to be relocated - for example, when a property owner wants to widen a driveway. If this is the case, you can complete the short form at the bottom of this page to get in touch.
Please be mindful not to obstruct a fire hydrant, such as by parking your vehicle over it. Not only is this illegal if it causes us a disruption, under the Fire & Rescue Services Act 2004 (Section 42), but could also endanger lives in an emergency.
Anyone found guilty could face a fine of up to £500.
Anyone found guilty could face a fine of up to £500.
Reporting fire hydrant issues
It's important to remember that using a fire hydrant for non-firefighting purposes is unlawful unless specifically authorised by the water authority or hydrant owner.
If you witness illegal hydrant use, please inform your local water company, or us via our form below, providing as much information as possible, such as the vehicle registration number, any company names on vehicles, descriptions of the persons responsible and the date, time, and location.
Report a fire hydrant issueIf you witness illegal hydrant use, please inform your local water company, or us via our form below, providing as much information as possible, such as the vehicle registration number, any company names on vehicles, descriptions of the persons responsible and the date, time, and location.
Illegal hydrant use
It's important to remember that using a fire hydrant for non-firefighting purposes is unlawful unless specifically authorised by the water authority or hydrant owner.
If you witness illegal hydrant use, please inform your local water company, or us via our form below, providing as much information as possible, such as the vehicle registration number, any company names on vehicles, descriptions of the persons responsible and the date, time, and location.
If you witness illegal hydrant use, please inform your local water company, or us via our form below, providing as much information as possible, such as the vehicle registration number, any company names on vehicles, descriptions of the persons responsible and the date, time, and location.
Fire hydrant planning for new developments
For new residential or business developments within the West Midlands, we'll assess the risk and recommend the number and location of fire hydrants required. Each hydrant is strategically placed to deliver an optimum water supply for firefighting from a suitable mains system.
Please contact us if you need to discuss any fire safety planning or fire engineering needs.
Please contact us if you need to discuss any fire safety planning or fire engineering needs.
Private fire hydrants
Private fire hydrants are located on lands not owned by water companies, such as Severn Trent or South Staffordshire Water.
These are typically found in large establishments like hospitals, schools, and industrial estates, and are the responsibility of the owners or occupiers. They must be maintained, inspected, and tested in line with relevant British Standards, and must be compatible with our firefighting equipment.
These are typically found in large establishments like hospitals, schools, and industrial estates, and are the responsibility of the owners or occupiers. They must be maintained, inspected, and tested in line with relevant British Standards, and must be compatible with our firefighting equipment.
Get in touch
To report an issue with a fire hydrant, or contact our Hydrant Technician team about anything else related to hydrants, please complete the below short form and we'll be in touch!