A device for flushing a hydrant includes a stem connected to a valve of the hydrant; and an actuation system including a biased translational system coupled to the stem. An actuation system for flushing a hydrant includes a fluid; a piston assembly movable by the fluid; and a biasing element at least indirectly biasing the piston assembly towards a stop position. A method of flushing a hydrant includes operating an actuation system coupled to the hydrant, the actuation system including a stored energy device, a piston assembly coupled to a stem of the hydrant; and a biasing element coupled to the stem, the stem connected to a valve of the hydrant; and opening the valve of the hydrant by releasing energy from the stored energy device against a piston plate of the piston assembly.