The US certainly has no shortage of fire hydrant manufacturers. Some are relatively recent arrivals to the party, being founded only a few short decades ago; others (such as Mueller) are the true methuselahs of the industry, with a rich history spanning more than a century.
Now, there’s no doubt that each of these companies prioritizes quality above all else – otherwise, they would quickly fall into oblivion. However, there are several names that stand tall above others, thanks to the reliability, durability, and overall performance of their products.
Before we delve any deeper, a quick disclaimer: There’s no definitive public data on exact market shares to rank fire hydrant manufacturers. Our rankings will be based on the industry reputation and product range. With that being said, let’s see who the major players are.
Founded in 1852 in Decatur, IL, Mueller, Co. is one of the oldest and most reputable fire hydrant manufacturers in North America. The company boasts a rich tradition of excellence, supplying top-quality products to clients throughout the world.
Mueller is widely recognized for the durability and reliability of their products, as well as its relentless pursuit of innovation, especially in the field of smart water technology which is why they’re also considered the trailblazers in the industry.
A subsidiary of McWane, Inc., Kennedy Valve has been manufacturing fire hydrants (and other fire protection equipment) since 1877, establishing itself as one of the most trusted names in the industry. Their products are highly regarded and used globally, including their K81A Guardian® hydrant, renowned for being durable and dependable.
Aside from the long name, ACIPC also has a long history of reliability, dating back to 1905. Their American-Darling® & Waterous® lines of fire hydrants are incredibly diverse and capable of meeting the needs of even the most demanding contractors. Their most popular model, by far, is the American-Darling® B-62-B, known for robust construction and superb ease of maintenance.
Yet another long-time veteran of the industry, Clow Valve has been in business since 1879 and has been delivering high-grade fire hydrants to customers worldwide. Their iHydrant™ Medallion® model is gaining popularity due to it being robust and reliable while offering advanced functionality in the form of real-time pressure and temperature monitoring.
Last, but certainly not least, American AVK may be considered a relatively recent addition to the hydrant manufacturing scene, being around “only” since 1941. A subsidiary of the AVK Group, one of the global leaders in water and gas infrastructure products, the company prides itself on the extensive offer of high-performance/low-maintenance dry and wet barrel hydrants.
Determining what’s the “best” brand is highly subjective, as there are many factors that influence the decision, including weather conditions, frequency of use, water pressure, and local codes and regulations.
That being said, our go-to choice would have to be Mueller’s flagship – the Super Centurion® 250 3-Way Fire Hydrant. This absolute unit of a hydrant is built with a combination of cast and ductile iron, making it capable of withstanding even the harshest conditions and still operating properly and reliably.
In addition, Mueller’s ingenious design makes the Super Centurion easy to operate, which can be a game changer in situations where fractions of a second make a difference. Atop of it all, model 250 has additional safety and functionality features built-in, making it an all-around reliable choice for any setting.
Looking for top-grade fire hydrants certain to ensure long-term protection of your property? Blair Supply Corp. is here to help you find the ideal firefighting solution for you. Our partnership with Mueller, Co. gives you easy access to their products, including the Super Centurion® 250, and our supply network is here to deliver it right to your doorstep. Get in touch with us today!