Yard Hydrants are Frost-free and are great for getting water to remote locations that need it year round. In this blog, we are going to go over some of the common adjustment and repair procedures.
If you have any further questions about these instructions, contact our Technical Support Team.
The Common problems / adjustments that we will address are:
Over time the rubber plunger will wear and it may be necessary to adjust the hydrant. While it is rare that a new hydrant will leak, there is from time to time a case where the hydrant will lose it’s factory setting. There is not need to panic the hydrant is not defective!
If the hydrant will not shut off completely, there are a few simple steps to adjust the hydrant linkage to it’s proper closing position.
The rubber plunger (N) in the bottom of the hydrant can be lowered by raising the point of contact of the square head set screw (H) on the S.S. operating rod (D)
Using a 5/16” wrench, loosen the square head bolt so the handle can be moved up and down freely without moving the operating rod.
Lift the handle (B) to the fully open position.
With the handle (B) up in the fully open position, tighten the square head bolt (H)
5b- Position the handle so that there is approx. 2” between the handle and the locking tab on the head casting.
Then using a 5/16” wrench, tighten the square head bolt so the handle will force the operating rod downward and apply pressure to close the handle.
Step #SPA-1
Simply tighten the brass packing nut (F) by turning it clockwise in very small increments until the leakage stops using a ¾” open end wrench.
Caution: DO NOT over tighten packing nut. Excessive compression will result in accelerated wear and or possibly damage to the O-Rings.
Do not place a pipe wrench on the galvanized stand pipe (Q), it will cause damage to the factory coating. To prevent the galvanized stand pipe (Q) from turning, use a strap wrench; this should also be followed if tightening the valve body (O).
It is VERY important that the first two steps be followed carefully to avoid the potential for serious complications.
Failure to do so could result in the plunger un-threading from the connecting rod which could be difficult to re-assemble, possibly resulting in the need to dig up the hydrant unnecessarily.
WARNING!
Make sure to monitor the 3/8” stainless steel operating rod (D) while turning the head casting off the pipe thread. The rod MUST NOT turn! If the rod turns it could unthread the connecting rod from the plunger (N) due to the snug fit in the valve body (O)
TIP! – place a cloth or soft leather or rubber sheet between the pipe wrench jaws and the head casting to prevent damage to the corrosion resistant protective paint coating.
When the head casting (A) is free from the Galvanized stand pipe (Q) approx. 3 – 4 full revolutions, pull the head casting straight up.
At this point, you would be able to fix any damage within the hydrant or fully replace the head.
WARNING!
Over tightening of the packing nut can cause premature wear and damage to the O-ring seals. It is best to hand tighten at first and tighten further in small increments as required until any leakage is stopped when the water pressure is turned back on.
When adjustment is complete tighten the 5/16”-18 UNC x ¾” 18.8 Stainless Steel Set Screw (H) securely to the 3/8” stainless steel operation rod (D) in the zinc plated pivot connector (G) to prevent slippage of the rod in the pivot connector which would result in the loss of the hydrant setting. NOTE: The specially cupped set screw (H) grips very well on the rod so with moderate tightening of the set screw should be sufficient.
Do not leave hose attached to hose bib in freezing temperatures as it may prevent proper drainage of the shut-off valve.
If hose is attached to the hose bib of the hydrant when the hydrant is shut-off, back siphoning can occur if end of hose is left in container of liquid. The end of the hose must be left open to the air so hydrant can drain back. A back flow prevent should be installed if a hose is left on during the warm summer season.
Pull the S.S. operating rod (D), coupling [C] connection rod [R] and plunger assembly straight up.
NEVER TWIST COUNTER CLOCKWISE, THIS COULD CAUSE THE PLUNGER TO UNTHREAD FROM THE ROD.
Tighten securely.
NEVER TWIST THE ASSEMBLY COUNTER CLOCKWISE, THIS COULD CAUSE THE PLUNGER TO UNTHREAD FROM THE ROD!
After this is complete, refer back to the Yard Hydrant Head installation instructions. This shows how to install the existing or a new head.
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