Special Section
Safety Notice and Replacement Info
for Medallion and F2500 Fire Hydrants
Product Notice for Medallion and F2500 Fire Hydrants
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
Are my hydrants safe?
During its replacement of the upper stem and lubrication in hydrants to date, Clow has found hydrant stems exhibiting corrosion caused by the calcium acetate in the grease. It appears the corrosion is increasing as time passes. As a result, there is a very real danger that some hydrants will be rendered inoperable if remedial action is not taken.
What is Clow going to do to solve this situation?
Clow is committed to finding every hydrant that is affected by this issue and replacing every upper stem that is affected. An approved contractor can be provided free of charge to municipalities. For municipalities that prefer to handle repairs internally, Clow offers a $40 labor allowance, free parts kit and covers shipping costs for every stem that is returned. The kit contains all necessary replacement parts, utensils to remove the existing grease, and a Replacement Procedure Manual. Clow recommends replacing upper stems in conjunction with scheduled inspection and maintenance procedures as outlined in the American Water Works Association standards and Clow fire hydrant product catalogs.
Will the repair eliminate this problem in our hydrants?
Yes.
How will the stem replacement project work?
Clow is committed to finding every hydrant that is affected by this issue and replacing every upper stem that is affected. An approved contractor can be provided free of charge to municipalities. For municipalities that prefer to handle repairs internally, Clow offers a $40 labor allowance, free parts kit and covers shipping costs for every stem that is returned. The kit contains all necessary replacement parts, utensils to remove the existing grease, and a Replacement Procedure Manual.
Contact the Clow Sales Department to arrange repairs, (800) 829-2569.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.
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.
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?
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.
How much time is needed to replace a hydrant stem?
Clow Valve Company approved contractors average 10 to 20 minutes per repair and typically replace 25-40 stems in one day depending on distance between hydrants.
How do I know that hydrants built before 2002 or after 2004 do not have this corrosion?
Clow utilized grease during manufacture that does not contain calcium acetate prior to mid 2002 and after mid 2004. However, repair lubricant has been available that does contain calcium acetate. Please review the Safety Notice page that details how to identify tubes containing calcium acetate and contact Clow if additional information is needed.
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.
What will I do about grease disposal?
Grease should be disposed of in accordance with state and local regulations.
How do I order the stem replacement kits?
The kits can be ordered by calling Clow Valve Company at (800) 829-2569, or through this website.
What grease should I use in maintaining my hydrants?
You should not use any food grade grease which contains calcium acetate. Clow Valve Company is presently using Mystik (now called Clarion) food grade grease in hydrants during assembly.
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.
How do I know if my hydrants have already been repaired?
There are three ways to determine if a hydrant has been repaired.
1. A tag stamped with the letters "CS" (standing for changed stem) is located on one of the Medallion medel bonnet bolts or F2500 model break-flange bolts.
2. The upper stem will have a small "C" stamped on the top of it.
3. The upper stem will be painted with blue or green primer instead of the typical red primer.
Medallion Fire Hydrant
F2500 Fire Hydrant