Choosing the right equipment can make or break your fireground operations. While most departments rely on standard inline valves, introducing the Oasis hydrant assist valve can offer new opportunities to improve efficiency, safety, and flexibility. In this article, we’ll break down the key tradeoffs of using the Oasis valve versus sticking with traditional inline valves, so you can make the best decision for your department.

Take Full Control of Your Hydrant Water Supply with The Oasis Valve

But the Oasis doesn’t stop there. It also acts as an elbow for tight setups or can boost pressure and flow during relay operations, ensuring uninterrupted water supply. This versatility makes the Oasis an invaluable tool for adapting to various challenges on the fireground.

With the Oasis, you can skip those interruptions. The Oasis keeps water flowing continuously, even during adjustments or when relay pumping. This uninterrupted flow could be the difference between controlling a fire and losing precious time.

The Oasis Valve Weighs More—But Offers More Control

Yes, the Oasis valve weighs a bit more than a standard inline valve. At 30.3 lbs, it’s slightly heavier than the TFT inline valve at 23.3 lbs, and it does take up a little more room on the apparatus. But the added weight and size come with significant operational advantages.

The Oasis is Larger Than Most Inline Valves

The Oasis valve is larger than most inline valves, but that doesn’t mean storage is a problem. Fire departments across the country use three common storage solutions to make sure the Oasis fits right in:

Each option ensures that the Oasis valve is ready for action when you need it, while minimizing the impact on your apparatus’s storage space.

“Why Not Just Relay Pumper to Pumper?”

In some scenarios, you might decide to rely on a traditional relay pumping setup, running LDH (large diameter hose) from pumper to pumper. This approach can get the job done—you’ll still be able to move water from the hydrant to the fire by simply connecting one pumper to another. However, while this method gives you simplicity and ease of setup, it comes with tradeoffs that can significantly impact your fireground operation.

It’s More Likely That You’ll Need to Interrupt Your Water Flow

Relay pumping gives you the flexibility to use existing equipment, but it also means you won’t have uninterrupted water flow when adjustments need to be made. In a traditional pumper-to-pumper relay, any time you need to change the configuration—such as boosting pressure or adding an additional engine—you’ll have to disconnect the hose and stop the water supply. This temporary disruption can cause delays in getting water to the fire, potentially compromising your operation.

You’ll Be Tying Up a Pumper

While relaying pumper to pumper lets you use standard equipment, it locks one of your pumpers into place as a stationary relay, reducing flexibility on the fireground. Without an Oasis valve, one of your engines must remain in the relay setup, unable to be moved to another location or used for other tasks. With an Oasis valve, you’d have the option to boost pressure without tying down an entire engine, giving you more operational freedom.

The Risk of Pumper Failure

By relaying pumper to pumper, you get a straightforward setup that doesn’t require additional equipment like a four-way valve. But this means that if one of your pumpers fails, your entire operation comes to a standstill. Without the Oasis valve, if a pumper breaks down or malfunctions, you’ll need to stop the flow of water, replace the failed pumper with a new engine, and start the relay process all over again. In critical moments, this downtime can cost valuable minutes and could make all the difference in controlling a fire.

Is the Oasis Hydrant Assist Valve Right for Your Hydrant Water Supply Needs?

So, is the Oasis hydrant assist valve worth it? The answer comes down to what your department values most on the fireground. If you prioritize uninterrupted water flow, flexibility in tight situations, and reducing the need to tie down a pumper, the Oasis is likely a great fit. Its versatility, reliability, and added features make it a worthwhile investment for departments looking to enhance their efficiency and safety.