All fire hydrants should be tested for a minimum of how long to ensure all foreign materials have cleared?

Testing fire hydrants annually is essential to ensure that they are functioning properly and capable of providing adequate water pressure and flow in emergency situations. This frequency allows for a timely assessment of the hydrant's mechanical components, water flow, and any foreign materials that may have accumulated over time, which could affect performance. By conducting this test each year, municipalities can quickly address issues such as rust, sediment, or blockages that might impede the hydrant's operation when needed.

Other intervals, like semi-annually or quarterly, may be considered excessive in many jurisdictions unless specific local conditions warrant more frequent inspections. The designation of "biannually" typically means twice a year, which, while closer to semi-annual testing, still does not provide the same level of oversight as the annual requirement ensures. Therefore, the annual testing standard strikes a balance between maintaining readiness and being resource-efficient in monitoring the state of fire hydrants.