How Frost Free Hydrants Work + Installation Tips

[@danray104]

We have dozens of hydrants on our farm. Ive found that by using a slide-type pitless adaptor, in a length of 4" pvc, allows me to be able to simply lift the hydrant out for service, without having to dig or bust concrete. I usually connect a 4" sand tile at the bottom, and a split pvc floor drain with a hole drilled in the center, large enough to support the hydrant pipe, provides a nice floor drain as well.

[@RCworstwater]

Smart thinking!

[@demesrvl6761]

Sounds great! I wish I knew what it all meant!!

[@jimmyyounger618]

You should shoot and upload a video about your install. Seriously - this is brilliant - do it for the good of mankind! I think I've got the picture, though. A hydrant with a 4" PVC sleeve wouldn't need to be completely dug out for repair or replacement. I just had to dig up and replace a 21 year old hydrant that was no longer serviceable because of lime corrosion. I replaced it with a Water Source hydrant from Menards. Just two months later, I discovered water is pumping up from the ground. I had back-filled around the hydrant with pea gravel and it was easy to see why it was taking so long to top up a stock tank since perhaps half the water came out the spigot and the other half was flowing out the bottom, flooding a huge area around the hydrant. I will say that Water Source support was excellent about diagnosing a cracked bottom piece and offering to send out a replacement part under warranty. But, for all the work involved - now having to repeat the same pain in the a** chore I just did a couple of months ago - I'm going to eat the cost of that 'Made in China' hydrant from Menards and replace it with a different brand. (Just looking around at hydrant discussions and Amazon ratings, it appears the Made in USA 'Woodford' is a favorite. It's easily twice as much as I paid for the Water Source hydrant, but cheap compared to my labor and the fact that the "inexpensive hydrant" worked for two months before heading to a landfill.)

[@chaos.corner]

That's really good. My hydrant is in coarse gravel so not well supported. Running it through a drain like that would be an option. Probably just going to run with my current plan of clamping it to some wood for now.

[@chaos.corner]

@@jimmyyounger618 The only issue I can see is that the bottom of the hydrant is usually protected from frost partly by the layer of dirt over it. Not so much of an issue if the frost doesn't go that deep, obviously but might be worth stuffing some foam down the pipe if that could be an issue.

[@Grayarea321]

I’ve watched several of your videos, thank you for such informative information. I appreciate the time and effort in all your videos. Being on a property with a well, yards hydrants etc, your videos have been very helpful.

[@RCworstwater]

Glad it was helpful!

[@eddygoodwin7089]

always cracks me up when I see someone try to pump the handle like and old fashioned pump.

[@TH-eb5ro]

Great presentation. Note to keep all documentation on items. What do we use to lubricate them?

[@Steve-ps6qw]

What!?!?! You are in northern Idaho? That is paradise! so glad I stumbled upon your channel.

[@laurieborgers2685]

Loved it! Exactly the overview I was looking for. I have a couple hydrants about the place, knew they were magical and didn't freeze...but it was a mystery.

[@pauldominic2150]

Very professional and clear presentation! Good JOB!!

[@RCworstwater]

Thank you very much!

[@sweethari7]

Awesome explanation, it helps me alot... Thank you

[@RCworstwater]

Glad it helped!

[@chaos.corner]

Thanks. I found a repair kit easy enough but between tightening the bottom plunger today and the tip about tightening the compression fitting, I might not have to install it. Shame I already dug the hydrant up but oh well. Symptom was I could hear water running when the hydrant was off. I think water was entering the hydrant and exiting through the drain hole. I'd recommend people check this regularly (you may need to rest your ear on the hydrant) as it could be a significant source of water loss.

[@robtheisen5844]

Fantastic presentation! Yet another home run for R.C. Worst! I look forward to seeing the swing joint video. Video suggestion: talk about your A.Y. McDonald residential booster pumps. I didn’t see any content when I searched your channel. Keep up the good work sir.

[@RCworstwater]

Thanks Robert! Those DuraMac boosters are on our list to make a video of, thanks for the suggestion.

[@avpowerstn1]

The Worst company is the best company I have ever dealt with...I bought two "Franklin Pump Savers" control devices...they were giving them away. You Rock Worst !!!!

[@Qingeaton]

I have installed 3 of these over the years. They seem to last about 10 years and then water starts pooling at the site. I usually just dig them up and put a new one in, but the thought of rebuilding one had not occurred to me. I wonder if I were to loosen that top nut and have the rod/plunger extend just a tiny bit more down, via adjustment, if I might get another year out of it. With it turned on and a two way in place and those valves both closed, the pool of water will then will drain. That suggests that the rubber plunger is no longer fully seating in the off position. (to me anyway)

[@michellemccurdy3268]

Thank you. Can I leave this on all winter hooked up to an RV? I’m in Colorado.

[@kentkirkpatrick7953]

No. Will freeze if left on.

[@ramonhamm3885]

Thanks, I just had one installed and used it before I filled in the hole, I saw it draining and thought the plumber messed up, then I figured out that it was draining but came here to see the valve in action.

[@JohnTurner313]

Exactly what I needed to start, thanks! Now I need a rebuild video...I've got a leaking frost free hydrant and am very hesitant to pull it apart because I do *not* want to dig a giant 4 foot hole to replace it.

[@RCworstwater]

Where is it leaking and what's the brand name?

[@Campsnowcactus]

I know this a old video but am still hoping for a reply. Have a ranch with about ten hydrants and several have failed at the connection of the galvanized pipe to the brass valve. It is my understanding that this connection will cause serious galvanic corrosion. Please explain why this combination is used?

[@cedarmoon08]

LOL: “Bye.” Can a frost free hydrant be installed with an electric pump, assuming a pitless adapter below frost line, hooking your hydrant into the pitless? Or can these hydrants only be used with artesian wells where there is natural constant water pressure? Thanks for the great video!

[@jeffery19677]

Can we upgrade from one head manufacturer to another.. Simmons upgraded to "Iowa" hydrant?

[@Mongoretired]

What do you do, when the rubber foot comes of in the hydrant at the bottom?

[@jonathankohl6264]

What brand hydrant do you suggest? Thanks

[@edglenn9690]

Excellent explanation. Thanks.

[@RCworstwater]

You are welcome!

[@rosescot8386]

Liked & subscribed, thank you, city girl moving to the country

[@willnicholson7169]

I was servicing my Plumb Ezee hydrant today as is was majorly leaking. I removed the head by unscrewing it and discovered that the 3/8” rod was disconnected from the coupling that is screwed into the base of the head. On closer inspection, the threads on the end of the 3/8” rod are completely cheesed off and will no longer bind on the threads of the coupling. Can I just take another 3/8” rod of the exact same length, thread the ends and reinstall it?

[@davemeeks8109]

My simmson water hydrant suddenly stopped allowing water out. Is it likely the plug at the bottom that needs to be replaced or is there a adjustment in the handle that I should try first.

[@elained2448]

Thanks! I need to see if y’all have a manual pump that attaches to the well for those times we have no power.

[@RCworstwater]

We sell baker hand pumps, here is link to see the components: www.bakerwatersystems.com/uploads/files/products/category_pdfs/Hand_Pump_11HDA_12_HDA_Installation.pdf If you'd like to order one please give us a call: 855.329.4519

[@danielhepp541]

also check out the Simple pump they can be hand pumped or solar converted at any time without pulling the pumping assy

[@FASTBACKKAT]

while pulling the rod, the plug at the bottom didnt come up with it, what do i do to get it out,so i can put the new one down there and get my water going again? please answer,i know u made this yrs ago....

[@asudavew]

Thanks for posting. You do great videos. I've watched a lot of them. Very helpful!

[@RCworstwater]

Glad you like them!

[@CuthbertDownunder]

Do you need to put a 90 degree or something out of the bottom drain weep hole, to prevent dirt from getting back into the seals?

[@chaos.corner]

You're supposed to use gravel so should not really be much of an issue.

[@richardmagnuson2131]

When installing I failed to put much rock in the pail surrounding the unit. I live in the Pac Northwest whereby frost never gets below 1' also my soil is very porus since we are very close to the Columbia River. Question, do I need to dig it up, remove the soil from the area of the drain hole?

[@Physicsnerd1]

A swing joint? Is that anything like a speak easy?

[@hilham89]

I have a question. My sytem is about a year old. I noticed if i turn it off and leave it offer for a week or so, I get a small amount of red clay mud come out when i turn it back on. I figured that was normal, but i also noticed small chunk/ flakes or rock and it stops my filter up. Any ideals on how they are getting into the hydrants? After seeing the drain hole, there's no way it's coming through it as the flakes are much bigger than that.

[@cabincalendar3593]

I'm having the same issue. I don't see small flakes but I honestly haven't looked that closely. I do see muddy water. This doesn't matter if I'm simply watering the grass or plants, but I also fill the fresh water tank on my RV from the hydrant so I have to ensure I allow the hose to run for a short time before I fill the tank. Here's my theory on the "dirty" water... I think the plumber did not provide a sufficient amount of rock in/around/under/above the bottom of the hydrant including some amount of rock above the drain hole level. Consequently, when the hydrant is turned off and the water pressure escapes through the drain hole, the valve body is sitting in a mud puddle. Some of that muddy water makes its way back into the drain hole and is sitting above the shut-off portion of the valve. When the valve is subsequently opened, the muddy water is in the valve cavity and is forced up and out of the hydrant. I really don't want to take the time to dig up all six of my hydrants to fix the problem. For now, I guess I'll live with it.☹

[@hilham89]

@cabincalendar3593 Yeah, that's what I was thinking as far as the mud/clay but I was stumped when I seen flakes and they aren't small flakes. It stumped me because the drain hole is way to small for something like that to get in.

[@9caplad]

What kind of lubricant for the O rings? Also can you open the hydrant partially ? I know fire hydrants can only be open or closed because of the drain feature.

[@court2379]

Use silicone grease, "Super Lube-21030 Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease" is one of the most reasonably priced ones I was able to find. Don't use petroleum based grease or petroleum jelly as it will swell the rubber rings damaging them. Yes you can throttle the flow, but it is a bit harder than a normal spigot because much of the handle movement doesn't change the flow. You have to find the sweet spot. You will figure it out if you try though.

[@anonymous_friend]

Can I run my whole yard irrigation system on a frost free hydrant? Any concerns or potential issues introduced into my system? I'm on a well in southern US.

[@clarencegreen3071]

After sowing grass on a new lawn for a newly-built house, I turned the sprinklers on and shortly thereafter pumped my well dry. Took a long while for it to refill. Wife was not happy. Wife was really not happy. -Southern guy with a yankee (now-Ex) wife.

[@formulaben]

Of all the excellent content I see on KZbin, this is the only one that is the Worst. ;)

[@RCworstwater]

😀😋

[@jimarcher7665]

The piston on the bottom can it be pulled out thru the pipe or do you have to dig it up, mine is 9 feet in the ground

[@chaos.corner]

I believe you unscrew the faucet head and then all that stuff pulls out. You'll need a pipe wrench for the pipe and then something for the head (a second pipe wrench, perhaps).

[@bcpfarmandtrucking6560]

My hydrate leaks coming up from the bottom casing but only when I turn it on. Please tell me it's àn easy fix? Would it be I just have to replace the guts or the whole hydrant?

[@mickjager5974]

I was having that same issue on mine and I haven't had time to check my theory, but once I thought about it I think this is the problem. I didn't pay attention to how the instructions tell you to adjust the handle! Push the rod all the way down so the plunger is sealed against the bottom water inlet. Then loosen the set screw that holds the handles connector to the rod and lift the handle to like a 30 degree angle(see instructions for your hydrant)without lifting the rod. Then tighten the handles rod connector set screw to the rod. What I did was pushed the rod all the way down and tightened the handle rod collar set screw when handle was all the way down. But what happens then is when you raise the handle all the way up the plunger is blocking or up above the waters upper by-pass hole. and also above the pipe drain hole. So then the water comes in and the only place it can go is out the drain hole. The handle has to move the plunger up, but not too far up.

[@doncallaway6944]

My Rod broke off when I tried to replace the o rings. Can I replace the rod?

[@Steveakakid]

I have removed the centre of this system as it froze and cracked the top Is there a product I can pour down the pipe to seal in for ever ?

[@Eaz9950]

I opened one of ours this afternoon and no water came out. Now that the handle is fully open I can't close it. When i shake the hydrant I can hear what sounds like the rod loose in the pipe even though I can still see the rod with the nut attached to it behind the handle. Can the rod snap in half?

[@benewell4162]

I have a frost free hydrant that is running very slow. There are two other (non frost free) valves on the line that run normally. What should I look at in order to make the frost free hydrant flow at the rate of the others. Note: it has worked fine for years without maintenance, it is located in a barn.

[@RCworstwater]

You may have an obstruction or sediment buildup around the stem seat - you can try taking it apart and cleaning.

[@benewell4162]

@@RCworstwater thank you. I'll give it a shot.

[@mihevcful]

I bought the yard hydrant. But it didn't come with by pass valve with drain hole. Do anyone know where to get one?

[@jeffsthisandthatchannel]

If I get a hydrant that's supposed to be 4 ft in the ground and only put it 3 ft in the ground . I believe will that be okay for our area.( It will let it have more sticking out of the ground) is that okay or does it have more chance of freezing?

[@RCworstwater]

You should look up what the frost line is in your city. As long as you are below that you should be ok

[@logangeddes790]

Is there such a thing as high volume frost free hydrants? I would like to be able to run at least 4 sprinklers at once for my market garden.

[@max61203]

I have a hydrant that is connected to several timers so it is on all the time, handle up but most of the time no water passing through. When no sprinklers are on I can hear water running if I put a ear close to the pipe. I disconnected the hose and turned it off, handle down. no sound at all, so no leak at connection down there. I can only hear the sound of water running when the handle is up/on and no water is passing out through my hose. Whats wrong here? It sounds like a small leak down at the valve.Thanks, Im in N.E. Washington and been here for 45 years .

[@max61203]

P.S. no pump here, gravity spring. I used to get tiny bits of granite in the water line, also I replaced the plunger a couple of years ago.

[@eddygoodwin7089]

does anyone know a good way to use this to supply a cabin that is not heated year round? I want to put one in a pump house so the cabin can be drained after each use.

[@StevenLNew]

So there is no way for the rod to fall down inside that pipe? My water pressure is really low on one of my hydrants and I was told to be careful not to let that rod fall down into the pipe or I would have to have it dug up? To me it doen't look like it can fall down inside. One of my hydrants has almost too much pressure, the other one doesn't have very much at all. But it still works. Can it even be adjusted?

[@RCworstwater]

To my knowledge it cannot fall down inside. If output is low you may have a partial plug in the hydrant or it is simply too far away from your pump.

[@StevenLNew]

@@RCworstwater Thank you

[@johnh7120]

Hoping you can help... I have not found a video that covers my hydrant problem. My hydrant is a Simmons. When the handle is closed, the faucet stops and the freeze hole drains as it should. But when the handle is up, the faucet runs as you would expect, but the freeze hole is also putting out a strong stream. Obviously not right. But I don't know what to replace. Thoughts? Thanks!

[@RCworstwater]

It sounds like your plunger is not sealing the drain hole. You will need to pull it out and inspect it for damage/replace if needed. Here's a good video on how to remove the rod/plunger from ground level: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4rMd2avastsr6s

[@johnh7120]

@@RCworstwater Thank you for your prompt and helpful reply.

[@bryancase7541]

So helpful

[@RCworstwater]

Glad you think so!

[@mikef6706]

Is the drain port a check valve or a open hole? Mine is not draining when closed.

[@RCworstwater]

There's a small hole that the water drains out of when the plunger is seated. If it's not draining, that hole is likely plugged with sediment.

[@mikef6706]

What would be the easiest way to unclogged drain port without digging up the hydrant?

[@RCworstwater]

@@mikef6706 You'd have to get creative. Blowing some air down could free it up, but it could also damage the plunger.

[@mikef6706]

No Luck with Air. A micro second after I open hydrant water flows right out. I hear no gurgling as the hydrant is opening....

[@RCworstwater]

@@mikef6706 You'll need to turn the power off to your pump or close a valve to isolate the hydrant before you work on it

[@letfreedomring7479]

Nice job very clear 🥰🇺🇸👌🏼👍

[@RCworstwater]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@heloder1]

Good info!

[@RCworstwater]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Handicapkilla94]

Thanks

[@RCworstwater]

Welcome

[@raulcervantez9]

can i putt one were my deep jet pump was?

[@RCworstwater]

I'm not sure what you're asking, give us a call: 855.329.4519

[@DurhamHumor]

Mine is leaking underground What say you

[@RCworstwater]

Uh oh!

[@johntrosper22]

you didn't explain the function of the adjustment nut for the plunger and how it works. incomplete!!!

[@jeffsthisandthatchannel]

I subscribe to your channel

[@RCworstwater]

Thanks!

[@maxhill5696]

Mine is currently frozen can't even lift the handle 😂

[@bab8649]

Why the damn music

[@ackack612]

...stupid just drives me crazy. 'You want to install with a swing joint,' but I'm not going to tell you what that is...maybe in a future video. And lubricating the o-rings...? That's a secret too. A worthwhile viewing experience...NOT!