A hydrant should be operable with a hydrant wrench of what length, and if a longer one is needed, what action should be taken?

• A. 10 in, tighten the cap
• B. 12 in, replace the hydrant
• C. 18 in, call maintenance
• D. 15 in, dismantled to remove and replace the operating nut and main stem

Answer: (D)

A hydrant should be operable with the standard hydrant wrench length because that length is chosen to apply the proper torque without stressing the valve components. If a longer lever is needed, it indicates wear or damage in the operating nut or main stem. The appropriate action is to dismantle and replace those parts. This restores correct fit and torque, prevents overstressing the stem, and keeps the hydrant reliable for operation. Simply tightening caps or using a longer lever won’t fix the underlying wear, and replacing the hydrant itself isn’t necessary unless other issues exist.