Drain the waterway system before lowering an aerial device to ensure safe operation

Outline sneak peek

• Hook: Before you lower an aerial device, there’s a simple step that saves you from surprises.

• What the waterway system actually is: the hydraulic lines that carry water (and pressure) to the aerial.

• Why draining matters: safety, weight management, and smooth lowering.

• How it stacks with other safety steps: valves, leaks, pump tanks, and general system checks.

• Quick, practical pre-lowering checklist.

• Real-world tips, common missteps, and a little perspective.

• Wrap-up: safety first, then performance.

Why draining the waterway matters before lowering an aerial device

Let me explain it plainly: when you’re getting ready to lower an aerial device, the system isn’t just a bundle of pipes and metal. It’s a living circuit with water, pressure, and momentum all tangled together. If you skip the drainage step, water left in the lines adds weight, can shift balance, and may create unexpected pressure when the boom starts to move. That combination is a recipe for stiff controls, jerky movement, or even a malfunction. You don’t want the device to act like a stubborn horse when you’re trying to bring it down safely.

What is the waterway system, anyway?

Think of the waterway as the river that powers the nozzle and the lift. In aerial apparatus, hydraulic lines carry fluid that moves the boom, stabilizers, and other actuated parts. Some systems use water for cooling in specific configurations, but in many DoD driver/operator contexts, you’ll see water in the hydraulic circuit or connected lines that feed the aerial devices. The key point: this water adds weight and can hold residual pressure even after you think the system is off. Draining the waterway means you’re clearing out that last bit of liquid, so gravity and hydraulics can do their job without interference.

Why drain before you lower? Three solid reasons

• Weight and balance: Water in the lines acts like an extra load. When you initiate lowering, that weight can shift the center of gravity in ways you don’t predict. Draining the lines helps keep the device balanced, making movement smoother and controllable.

• Pressure-free startup: Even with the power off, small pockets of pressure can linger in the lines. Opening a drain at the right moment lets that pressure escape safely, so the first movement after lowering doesn’t slam into a hard stop or surge.

• Contaminants and corrosion prevention: Water in the lines can carry mineral deposits, rust, or debris. If you don’t drain, those contaminants may get stirred up during lowering or cause wear over time. Draining minimizes those risks and helps the system stay clean and responsive.

How this step sits among other safety practices

• Close valves: Valves matter. They gate the flow and help you control how the line is pressurized or depressurized. But closing every valve doesn’t automatically remove water from the lines. Draining is a separate, targeted action that addresses the actual water in the waterways.

• Check for leaks: Leaks are a red flag—visible drips, wet spots, or damp hardware. They deserve attention before lowering, but a leak doesn’t substitute for drainage. In fact, leaks can complicate drainage, so you want to catch them early and fix them so the drain path isn’t compromised.

• Empty the pump tank: Pump tanks hold fluid that powers the hydraulic circuit. Draining the waterway and ensuring the pump tank is managed are complementary steps. If you only drain the tank, you might miss water still sitting in the lines, which can surprise you when you move the boom.

• System depressurization and lockout: Before any lowering sequence, depressurize per your unit’s guidelines to avoid unintended motion. Draining the waterway is one piece of that safety puzzle, not a substitute for it.

A practical pre-lowering checklist you can actually use

Here’s a straightforward, no-nonsense approach you can adapt to your gear and SOPs. It’s about making the moment you start lowering predictable and safe.

• Confirm you’re in a safe stance: The ground is solid, the area is clear, and bystanders are at a safe distance. You’ve communicated with the team that lowering is about to begin.

• Isolate power and depressurize: Follow the specific shutdown procedure for your aerial setup. Turn off power, and allow any residual pressure to dissipate in a controlled way.

• Locate the waterway drain point: Identify the drain valve or drain port that’s designed to release water from the lines. If your manual lists a preferred order, stick to it.

• Drain the waterway system: Open the drain, watching for a steady flow of water. Be ready for a brief surge as trapped water exits. Keep your hands and tool paths clear of the draining stream.

• Observe for leaks as you drain: If you see leaks while draining, note them and address after the lines are emptied. Do not ignore leaks in the rush to get the lowering underway.

• Close the drain once the water is out: Once the stream slows and water flow stops, close the drain to prevent re-accumulation during movement.

• Check the lines for residual moisture and contaminants: A quick visual inspection can catch anything that might impair function or indicate a more serious issue.

• Recheck valves and seals: After drainage, verify that all valves are in their correct positions and seals are intact. A mispositioned valve can create unexpected trouble when you start to move the boom.

• Proceed with the lowering sequence: With the water removed, the system should respond more predictably. Move deliberately, monitor controls, and maintain a steady pace.

Real-world tips and a touch of perspective

• It’s all about predictability: When you drain, you’re removing a variable. Predictable motion beats surprise every time, especially in high-stakes environments where aerial devices are overhead.

• Keep the team in the loop: A quick, calm briefing before lowering can save confusion mid-motion. Let crewmates know you’re draining and what you’re about to do next.

• Use sensory cues: Listen for changes in the sounds of the hydraulic system as you drain. A change in tone or a sudden hiss can tell you something is shifting—pause and reassess.

• Don’t rush the process: It can be tempting to rush to the lowering, especially when the clock is ticking. Take a moment to complete drainage properly. It’s a small investment for safer operation.

• Routine becomes confidence: When drainage becomes a routine part of your pre-lowering, you’ll perform it almost instinctively. Confidence grows as you reduce variables and keep the device steady.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Skipping drainage because you’re in a hurry: The risk isn’t just a momentary delay; it’s the chance of erratic movement or unexpected load shifts once lowering begins.

• Overlooking leaks during drainage: A small leak can become a bigger problem under load. Inspect and note any issues before moving the boom.

• Ignoring manufacturer guidance: Every system has specifics—drain locations, least-try sequences, and safety interlocks. When in doubt, defer to the manual for your particular aerial model.

• Treating drainage as a one-off task: Drainage should be part of a broader, ongoing maintenance mindset. Regular checks help detect wear, corrosion, and failing hardware early.

Bringing it home: safety, reliability, and readiness

Before you initiate the lowering procedure of an aerial device, draining the waterway system isn’t just a box to tick. It’s a safeguard that helps ensure weight is managed, movement remains controlled, and the device behaves as expected. It’s one of those pragmatic steps that pays off in the long run—reducing risk, extending equipment life, and giving you more confidence when the unit is up and moving.

When you combine drainage with careful depressurization, leak checks, and proper valve management, you’re building a runway for smooth, predictable operation. And in the field, where conditions can change by the minute, that predictability is worth its weight in steel.

Final thought: keep the focus on core safety habits

Draining the waterway system is a clear, repeatable action that helps prevent complications during lowering. It sits naturally alongside other good habits—clear communication, thorough inspections, and disciplined sequencing. Think of it as one thread in a larger fabric of safe, effective operation. Do it right, do it calmly, and you’ll find that the aerial device responds with a steadier touch and a calmer crew.

If you’re working with DoD driver/operator teams, you’ll notice this attention to detail isn’t just procedural—it’s part of a broader culture that values precision, safety, and accountability. And yes, it’s those small, well-executed steps that keep everything moving forward when the task lighting is bright and the pressure is on.