Frost-Free Hydrant Quality

wwubben · #21 04/15/09, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RosewoodfarmVA

Just a note since I see no one else has mentioned it...

If you use the black plastic pipe, make sure the fittings and elbows are all metal. They sell threaded plastic fittings that can be used with the pipe, but over time these fittings will crack, and have to be replaced. Save yourself the trouble, pay the 4x price and get the all metal fittings! Also it helps to drive a metal T post beside the hydrant, before you set the hydrant, pounding the post to the height where the top of post is just under the handle assembly. After installing the hydrant, run wire ties around both the post and the pipe, so that any sway or pull by hoses, rubbing cows etc will be absorbed by the post and not the hydrant and fittings at the bottom. As said before always put gravel at the bottom so hydrant can drain.

I always use brass metal fittings instead of galvanized to save a lot of problems.

evanob · #22 10/28/13, 12:19 PM

Has anyone installed the PVC casing with brass pitless adapter called "hydrant made easy"? This product looks like it may prevent future re-digging.

I have a Campbell hydrant of uncertain age (at least 15 years old) that started leaking when open or closed. I took it apart to repair but the rubber cylinder of the plunger came detached from the brass plunger and the rubber stayed stuck in the valve body. Now I have to dig up the whole thing. I tried removing the rubber with a threaded 6-foot steel rod without luck.

I have researched the available hydrants. There are two main types: 1) Large rubber plunger like the Campbell and the Woodford. 2) The O-ring type like the Merrill or the Monitor Magnum yard hydrant (which has some unique features).
Does anyone have opinions on single rubber plunger versus O-rings on brass or plastic plunger?

am1too · #23 10/28/13, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plowjockey

Good point.

I replace my ancient one with a Woodford, but i got it at my plumber friend's cost, $85.

I have not used one from TSC, but I see plenty of them around and they don't appear to be leaking.

The packing is the only problem I've had. It is solved with an adjustment nut on the packing itself. Check the instructions that come with a unit. The only thing I've seen here is the cheep stuff.

am1too · #24 10/28/13, 09:19 PM

When I installed mine bout 7 years ago, dug the hole much deeper than the stand pipe was to go in the ground. Put in a 40 pound bag of discounted gravel covered with the stuff one puts over gravel in a septic drain field. I then put a 6" nipple in the drain hole and connected it to pvc with pvc fittings. filled the hole bout a quarter of the way with sand and a 2 or 3 inch layer of premix cement. More sand and another layer of cement. Then finished to the top with sand. It is solid enough to tie a dog to which I did for a couple years.

randy in central missouri · #25 10/28/13, 09:26 PM

i bought one from menards, its a piece of crap. leaking within a month

evanob · #26 11/09/13, 10:25 AM

Plan to install as soon as these items arrive. Will post about installation and quality.

Patchouli · #27 11/09/13, 09:38 PM

We have one Merill and 2 of the $50 ones from Lowe's and all 3 have held up equally well over the years.

VERN in IL · #28 11/10/13, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randy in central missouri

i bought one from menards, its a piece of crap. leaking within a month

Ah, but you saved BIG MONEY at Menard's!!

I would use whatever they use at State parks, those seem to never leak.