Special Section

Safety Notice and Replacement Info
for Medallion and F2500 Fire Hydrants

fire hydrant

Product Notice for Medallion and F2500 Fire Hydrants

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the problem?

    Clow Valve Company has found specific evidence of corrosion on some upper stems of 2002, 2003 and 2004 Medallion and F2500 fire hydrants.

  2. What is the cause of the corrosion?

    From mid 2002 to mid 2004 Clow Valve Company used food grade grease that contained an acetate additive. The additive causes corrosion of the hydrant stem.

  3. Is there a problem with using food grade greases in hydrants?

    No. Greases contain different agents as thickeners. This particular grease contains calcium acetate in its thickener. Not all food grade grease contains calcium acetate in its thickener.

  4. Could this grease affect water quality?

    No. First and foremost, this grease is an approved food-grade lubricant regardless of its role in the corrosion process. Secondly, the grease reservoir is isolated from the water system.

  5. What is the effect of the corrosion on the hydrant?

    As the corrosion progresses the hydrants will become increasingly harder to operate. In cases of extreme corrosion hydrants can become inoperable. Clow Valve Company expedited the examination of a nationwide sample of its hydrant stems with the assistance of a company that specializes in corrosion research and testing. Every hydrant included in the study was operable.

  6. Are my hydrants safe?

    Clow Valve Company expedited the examination of a nationwide sample of its hydrant stems with the assistance of a company that specializes in corrosion research and testing. Every hydrant included in the study was operable. Provided that hydrants are being inspected and maintained according to American Water Works Association standards and Clow’s fire hydrant product catalogs, coverage will not be interrupted.

  7. What is Clow going to do to solve this situation?

    Clow Valve Company has taken the responsibility to ensure that every upper stem in question is replaced along with the grease that caused this condition. Clow will provide, free of charge, an Upper Stem Replacement Kit that contains all necessary replacement parts as well as a Replacement Procedure Manual and utensils to remove the existing grease. In addition, Clow will offer a $40 labor allowance and cover shipping costs for every stem that is returned.

  8. Will the repair eliminate this problem in our hydrants?

    Yes.

  9. How will the stem replacement project work?

    Clow Valve Company has sent a notice to each of its clients detailing the stem replacement project. Clow will provide, free of charge, an Upper Stem Replacement Kit that contains all necessary replacement parts as well as a Replacement Procedure Manual and utensils to remove the existing grease. In addition, Clow will offer a $40 labor allowance and cover shipping costs for every stem that is returned. Approved Contractors may request stem replacement kits from the Clow Sales Department, (800) 829-2569, or through our website, www.clowvalve.com.

  10. How do I become an approved stem replacement contractor?

    To become an approved contractor for this project you must complete a service agreement with Clow Valve Company. Service agreements can be obtained at training sessions or through the mail; contact Clow Sales Department, (800) 829-2569, for details.

  11. When should I perform the stem replacement?

    Upper stem replacement should be combined with inspection and maintenance of hydrants as outlined in American Water Works Association standards and Clow Valve Company fire hydrant product catalogs.

  12. What if the end user has no way of tracking the hydrants by date?

    The hydrant has the year it is made, its cast year, on it. Look around the base of the nozzle section for it. Is it a 2002, 2003, or 2004?

  13. How do I know if my hydrant is a Medallion or F2500 fire hydrant?

    The Medallion hydrant can be identified by the presence of a starburst AWWA pattern. The F2500 model is easily recognizable by its shape.

    14. Medallion Fire Hydrant
    Medallion Fire Hydrant

    F2500 Fire Hydrant
    F2500 Fire Hydrant

  14. How much time is needed to replace a hydrant stem?

    During early field testing in the summer of 2006 an experienced two-person crew replaced upper hydrant stems in only 12 minutes, on average, when the hydrants' locations were known and grouped in clusters. A two-person crew could replace approximately 40 hydrant stems during an eight-hour workday by maintaining that pace.

  15. How do I know that hydrants built after 2004 do not have this corrosion?

    Clow switched to grease that does not contain calcium acetate mid 2004.

  16. What will I do with the upper stems that are taken out of hydrants?

    A return shipping label will be included in the replacement kit. Use it along with the kit box to return the stems to Clow Valve Company so that you can be reimbursed.

  17. What will I do about grease disposal?

    Grease should be disposed of in accordance with state and local regulations.

  18. How do I order the stem replacement kits?

    The kits can be ordered by calling Clow Valve Company at (800) 326-7082, or through this website.

  19. What grease should I use in maintaining my hydrants?

    You should not use any food grade grease which contains acetate. Clow Valve Company is presently using Mystik food grade grease in hydrants and recommends Mystik grease for maintenance of Clow hydrants.

  20. Can I use the old grease in other hydrants?

    Grease that includes calcium acetate has potential to cause corrosion. Do not use grease with calcium acetate in Clow Valve Company's fire hydrants or any brand of fire hydrant.