I put this one in two years ago and dug it up today to find the leak and sure enough the leak was at the freaze proof bottom part that drains the water out of the hydrant. Is there a correct way to install them besides reading the crappy instructions that don’t give any hints.
It’s burried 3.5 ft underground (for my area that is plenty deep). I put sand around the freeze proof part. Anyone have sugestions?
Jason
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Replies
Ok so I did some research and found that I should have used gravel instead of sand. Anyone?????
Jason
Sounds like you're on the right track. All the installations I'm familiar with had a dry well below the valve filled with gravel. I wouldn't think having sand at or above the valve would do anything useful for you.
Can you tell how the valve failed? Something cracked, or sand in the works, or the operating rod got bent, or what? Other than putting gravel under it, it's hard to know what to suggest when we don't know what went wrong. If some of the sand got into the valve, it might makes sense to wrap some filter cloth around the valve next time.
I see you found your error . We always use gravel in the bottom. I have Iowa hydrants, Old ones can't find them in Ill any more. Last ones I put in were Campbell , They are now five years maybe more in the ground with no trouble
Woodford makes good yard hydrants. Never had a problem with them.
Remodeler
What is a yard hydrant??
Eric
The idea is a construction similar to a fire hydrant, where the valve is at the base of the stem to prevent it from freezing and the device has weep holes to allow water to drain out when it's turned off (hence the need for gravel bedding). The top of a woodford looks kind of like an old-time well handle, and has a hose bibb on it. I used to do a lot of them for apps like gas station pump islands where they want to hook a hose up and clean it out.
remodeler
http://www.plumbingsupply.com/woodfordyardhydrants.html
I always like to make the last foot or two of pipe galvanized to keep plastic away from gravel. I also usually drive a piece of steel fence post or a piece of pipe along side the hydrant to keep everything secure.
Yes the old one cracked right at the bottom where the drainage hole is. Thank you all for the tips. It's sunday and of course nothing is open in this small town except BIG R (which is where I bought the first hydrant. I was there when they opened the doors. They only seemed to have that same el cheapo model that I put in last time. So I finally got the plumbing guy to help me out and asked if there were anymore in the back room. Sure thing, he comes out of the back with a more expesive,but better looking Campbell. I wish I could wait a few days and get a Woodford (I checked those out too, they look very nice), but the wife wants the water turned back on today, so I'm headed out to make a very large hole in my yard, and do it right this time.
Thanks
Jason