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Permalink Reply by ken mackey on January 16, 2011 at 12:43pm

This is my experiance, when we tried using a storz connector on a standpipe to draft we found the gaskets are designed to seal using internal pressure. When a vacume was introduced the gaskets leaked. There may be another style gasket for this purpose, but I am not aware of any.

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Permalink Reply by ken mackey on January 16, 2011 at 1:00pm

After my 1st post I checked into it and found out there are gaskets specific for suction. I'm glad I saw your question, I now know something new, and another option for us since we're concidering storz on our hydrants.

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Permalink Reply by Ryan Chinn on January 16, 2011 at 1:05pm

we use storz on our hydrants and it makes things alot easier in case of a busted hoseline. just recently we had a civilian drive over our 5 inch during a fire and busted it, in less than a minute we had the length of hose replaced and our water supply restored

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Permalink Reply by FETC on January 16, 2011 at 2:49pm

They make gaskets specific for pressure or suction. Same goes for the intake valves mounted on the steamer. Some can draft through and others will just leak.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Pegram on January 16, 2011 at 3:10pm

We use Storz connections for dry hydrant and dump tank drafting operations. The gaskets must be matched and for suction/vacuum purposes for best results. It is also important to connect the Storz side prior to the threaded side if using a low level strainer that is not preconnected. Attack pumper set up with a dump tank using Storz connections with preconnected low level strainers on the hard suction saves considerable time.

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Permalink Reply by FF Nick on January 18, 2011 at 1:00pm

Also be sure to maintain your gaskets to extend the life of your fittings, we wipe a small amount of grease on ours to keep them lubed. Grease also helps to form a seal when using in the vacuum capacity. We draft with them and haven't had an issue yet.

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Permalink Reply by Chief Mike on January 19, 2011 at 4:11pm

Pro's - easy and fast to connect, either end works, typically no rubber mallet needed to tighten but they are not as easy as a pressure type storz connection (like on supply hose). You MUST have suction gaskets, they have the raised 'bump' on them. Captain Nick above recommended greasing them, I agree - use a waterproof grease that is compatible with the rubber gasket material.

Con's - no matter what, they leak air and you risk loosing suction. We carry a roll of duct tape and just put a wrap or two around the connection, works great.

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