Handline Nozzle maintenance tips
Handline Nozzles, like other pieces of fire truck equipment, are the key firefighting components that require regular inspections and maintenance, before and after use, to keep them in perfect condition. Make sure that the inside and outside of the nozzles are clean and dry before storing them.
Why the maintenance of handline nozzles is important?
Tiny or invisible substances inside the handline nozzles will greatly influence their performance and function, or even reduce the water flow. Dust and debris might be stuck in the SHUT OFF valve, causing the handline nozzles’ abnormal turning on/off. Regular maintenance, to a certain degree, can also prolong the life duration of the handline nozzles.
How to do the maintenance?
The best way to do the nozzle maintenance is giving them a bubble bath. Soak the disintegrated parts in warm, soapy water for 15 minutes until all the dirty, oily particles are removed before putting them back together.
Five steps to inspect handline nozzles
- Make sure the bump’s tooth rings rotate normally; if not, replace them immediately.
- Bumper: Make sure the bumper can rotate properly; if not, it might be stuck by foreign objects, which should be removed immediately.
- Rotation Patter Sleeve: Make sure the flow adjustment loops rotate normally; if not, remove any objects or substances that cause the malfunction.
- Shut off Valve: Make sure the globe on/off valves function well; if not, find out what causes the jam for which the valve fails to turn on and off.
- Gasket: Make sure the rubber pad inside the adapter attached to the hose is tight and intact; if not, replace it immediately.
- Swivel Adapter: Make sure the hose adapter at the far end can swivel normally.
