Resident Services

Resident Services / Fire

Fire Hydrants

The Fire Division conducts its annual fire hydrant flushing each April/May.

Flushing is performed to ensure the hydrants are operating properly, and to clear the waterlines of debris.

Active flushing will occur weekdays between approximately 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Residents could experience heavy discoloration of water during this time period, as flushing hydrants has the potential to stir up rust and scale in the underground water lines. This is especially a problem in the older sections of Upper Arlington. Residual rust and scale can be present up to 48 hours after the hydrants have been flushed. Residents may also experience rusty water when an adjacent district is flushed, due to the interconnection of the underground mains. Rusty water is not a health hazard, but is not aesthetically appealing to most persons.

During this period, all residents are cautioned to refrain from doing laundry if at all possible. Before laundering, washers should be partially filled until the water runs clear. A sample of water should then be run into a transparent container to check for settling or discoloration. Once the water is clear, the washer can then be spun out in order to drain the tub for a normal laundry load.

Water should be allowed to run freely through all plumbing fixtures until it appears clear again. Residents should avoid turning on hot water taps during the flushing period, because the water heater will replenish itself with rusty water, which will remain in storage in the tank until taps are opened.

Some persons will experience staining of clothes and other items despite these notices. The recommended cleaning agents are those containing “oxalic acid”. This material or a variation of it is found in most cleaners listing themselves as “rust-removers” or “rust fighters”. Rust-removers are carried among the cleaning products at grocery and hardware stores, and as pure oxalic acid at some pharmacies. Most of these cleaners direct you to add them to a regular laundry load and run it again.

Any questions related to fire hydrant flushing should be directed to the main Fire Division number at 583-5100.

Updated 4/08

Fire Division
City of Upper Arlington
3600 Tremont Road
Upper Arlington, OH 43221
Phone: 614-583-5100
www.ua-ohio.net