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)

Damaged or missing hydrant caps undermine protection and readiness. The cap protects the outlet from debris, contamination, and the elements, and helps keep the hydrant in serviceable condition. When a cap is damaged or missing, the proper action is to repair or replace the cap and report the issue so maintenance can verify and track the correction. This fixes the defect quickly, restores protection, and ensures the hydrant is ready for use.

Ignoring the problem leaves the hydrant vulnerable to dirt, insects, freezing, or vandalism. Sealing the cap to keep it in service hides a defect and is not an acceptable long-term fix. Notifying the AHJ and replacing the entire hydrant would be excessive for a cap issue and unnecessary when a straightforward cap repair or replacement resolves the problem.