How many of you ride with your tank to pump valve open at all times? Just curious -- there's a debate going between some MPOs at my house.

[MLFDCO4]

That's not in our protocols. Why would you want to drive with tanks to pumps in the open position? It takes all of 5 seconds to open that valve.

[Signal 12]

It's SOP for my company, that the chauffeur puts the rig into pumps before getting out of the cab. He or she then immediatley pulls / or cranks open the booster tank water to pump handle. I can understand why some departments are keeping the booster tank water to pump handle open at all times and I can also understand why some would opt to keep it closed. Needless to say if your going to keep it open at all times you have to make sure that everyone, even that pump operator that only comes around once in a blue moon and when he does he insists that he drives, and anyone else that may pick and choose what calls they trunout for; is on the same page with you and is aware that the handle is always in the open position. When your checking your rig, however often you do it, engage the pumps and pull the tank to pump handle and make sure it goes in and out freely. That is often taken for granted. One problem that could come up with keeping the tank to pump in the open position all the time is that you may have an instance where the chauffeur is unaware of it and goes right for hydrant water. Chances are if he is a an MPO that's worth his weight, he'll notice it and everything will be okay. But it definitly might have some cons, perhaps some more cons than pros. But it's something to look into and to try and get some more feed back on. However, it's not bad practice for the engine to always proceed to the nearest hydrant, keep the crew at the rig in case you have to stretch, let the officer go into the building and so a size up, if the truck isn't in yet and manpower permits, send a guy with the officer with tools and a water can, put the rig in pumps before tou get out of the cab, pull your booster tank water to pump handle right away, test the hydrant or have someone test the hydrant and then wait ... and hope that the officer calls and asks for a line. Game on.

[NassauRanter]

I don't understand this either. It would seem to me that this would lead to accidents, ie, leaks and accidental charging of lines. It doesn't take long to pull that handle when you need it!

[elbombero]

easier way than pulling prime before the newer systems we have now. still works though i dont know how many companys have that as an sop...... ALWAYS let your officer know that you are on TANK and also mpo's let him know when the level 1/2 and 1/4 and also when you get onto hydrant

[ENG MPO INE]

IF YOU ARE REALLY INTO SAVING A FEW OH SAY SECONDS TRY WHEELIN THE ENGINE AROUND WITH THE LINE ALREADY CHARGED. THAT WILL SAVE YOU TONS OF TIME. ~~~ IF IT IS TOO MUCH TROUBLE TO PULL THE TANK SUCTION IN THE PROCESS OF SETTING UP THE PUMP MAYBE MPO IS NOT THE POSITION FOR YOU. STICK WITH THE PIPE OR THE HYDRANT. ONE NOTE HOWEVER. IF YOU HAVE A 2 STAGE PUMP, I KNOW YOU ALL DO, TRY EXERCISING THE TRANSFER VALVE ( VOLUME-PRESSURE) NOW AND AGAIN IF NOT EVERY TIME YOU GO THROUGH THE SETUP. THIS KEEPS THE VALVE WELL LUBED AND MOST LIKELY WILL NOT FREEZE UP WHEN YOU NEED TO SWITCH INTO VOLUME FOR THE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN BATTALION INVITES.

[Signal 12]

No harm in pulling the 'booster water' aka 'tank-to-pump' valve out before leaving quarters if you know for sure you have a job. How do you know it's a job? That's not the topic of this thread, but maybe you got a 'saddle up' from a dispatcher friend, or maybe you heard the police frequency, or maybe the dispatcher was really excited when he signed on. But either way, if you know your going to be first due and your sure your going to work, it can't hurt to have that valve out before you respond.