What is a hard suction hose used for?

• A. Drafting from a static water source
• B. Drafting from a hydrant
• C. Direct pumping from a river
• D. Pumping to a deck gun

Answer: (A)

Drawing water into a pump from a source that isn’t under pressure is the job of a hard suction hose. Its rigid, heavy-walled design keeps the line from collapsing under the pump’s suction and provides a stable, straight path for water to flow into the intake. The end at the water source is protected by a strainer to keep debris out of the pump, which helps prevent clogs and damage. Because the source is static and not pressurized, the pump must be primed and use suction to lift the water up into the hose and into the pump.

This is why it’s used for drafting from a static water source like a pond or cistern. Hydrants provide pressurized water, so drafting from them doesn’t rely on suction via hard suction hose, and pumping directly from a moving water body like a river involves different considerations and equipment. Deck guns and attack lines are fed from the pump’s discharge, not through the suction hose.