How to Replace a Frost-Free Hydrant

Introduction

Replacing a frost-free hydrant is an important maintenance task that ensures your outdoor water supply keeps working properly through cold weather. Frost-free hydrants are designed to prevent water inside the pipe from freezing in winter by draining the water back below the frost line every time the hydrant is shut off. Over time, the internal parts of a frost-free hydrant can wear out or fail, requiring a complete replacement.

Replacing a frost-free hydrant is a straightforward DIY project for a moderately skilled homeowner. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the whole process, from shutting off water and removing the old unit to installing a new hydrant and restoring water flow. With proper planning and the right tools on hand, you can have your new frost-free hydrant up and running within just a few hours.

Safety Tips for Replacing a Frost-Free Hydrant

Before starting any work, keep these safety guidelines in mind:

Turn the water off – Locate the shutoff valve for the hydrant water supply line and turn it to the fully closed position. This ensures no water is flowing while you work.
Release pressure – After shutting off water, open the hydrant to allow built-up pressure to release.
Disconnect power – If you have an electric heating cable on the pipe, unplug it to avoid shock hazard.
Protect from leaks – Have absorbent rags or a bucket ready in case of leaks when disconnecting pipe fittings.
Beware of heavy parts – The hydrant head and long vertical pipe can be very heavy. Use proper lifting techniques and get help if needed.
Wear eye protection – Safety glasses will prevent injury from dirt, rust flakes or water pressure.

Following basic safety practices will allow your hydrant replacement project to go smoothly and prevent water damage or personal injuries.

Preparing for Hydrant Replacement

Completing a few preparatory steps will ensure you are ready to take on this project:

Assemble Tools and Materials

You will need:

Pipe wrenches (2)
Adjustable wrench
Hacksaw or pipe cutter
Teflon tape
Replacement frost-free hydrant (make sure to get the correct length of riser pipe for your depth)
Pipe joint compound suitable for potable water
Rag or absorbent pad
Bucket
Tarp
Headlamp/work light
Shovel and post hole digger (if buried vertical pipe needs replacement)

Gather Safety Gear

Work gloves
Eye protection
Ear plugs or muffs if using power saw
Dust mask if cutting concrete or rusty pipes

Check Installation Depth

Locate the existing hydrant shutoff valve and drain the vertical pipe section to determine how deep it was installed.
Check your new hydrant to ensure the riser pipe is long enough to match this depth. Having the proper hydrant height prevents problems.

Clear Access Area

Remove any objects or debris from the area around the hydrant.
Take out nearby plants or foliage to open up space to work.
Lay down a tarp to protect the area from spills.

With the proper preparations complete, you can move on to removing the existing frost-free hydrant.

Removing an Old Frost-Free Hydrant

Taking out an old, worn-out frost-free hydrant involves disconnecting it from the water supply and lifting it out of the ground. Follow these steps:

Shut Off Water and Release Pressure

Locate the shutoff valve on the water line leading to the hydrant and turn it clockwise to the fully closed position.
Open the hydrant to allow any pressurized water to drain out. Leave it open.

Disconnect and Remove Hydrant Parts

Use a pipe wrench to loosen and disconnect the threaded connection at the base of the hydrant. Unscrew the female swivel fitting from the male threaded adapter.
Carefully remove the elbow fitting at the bottom of the riser pipe. A second wrench on the adapter can provide leverage.
Lift the hydrant head and riser pipe out of the ground. Take care as this may be heavy.
Use a hacksaw or pipe cutter to remove the old threaded adapter from the inbound water line if it will not be reused.

Remove Underground Pipe (If Necessary)

If the below-ground vertical pipe section is damaged and needs replacement, use a shovel and post hole digger to excavate down around the pipe.
Once exposed, cut out the old pipe with a hacksaw. Measure and mark the pipe length needed.
Clean loose dirt and debris from the hole and clear area around the inlet pipe coming from the valve.

With the old frost-free hydrant completely removed, you can move on to installing the new replacement unit.

Installing the New Frost-Free Hydrant

Follow these steps to properly install a new frost-free hydrant in place of the old one:

Prepare Pipe and Fittings

Dry fit the new riser pipe to the elbow and hydrant to test lengths and alignment. Mark any areas needing adjustment.
Use sandpaper to smooth cut pipe ends if needed to create clean threading.
Apply Teflon tape to wrap male threaded ends. Ensure tapes covers threads fully.
Add pipe joint compound to the female swivel and elbow threaded fittings.

Connect Riser Pipe and Elbow

Thread the male end of the elbow fitting into the female swivel at the base of the new hydrant riser pipe. Hand tighten initially.
Use pipe wrenches to finish tightening the connection. Align parts to avoid twisting.
Set hydrant upright and lower the attached elbow and pipe into the installation hole.

Join Inlet Piping

Line up the elbow to the incoming water line and hand thread the connection.
Use wrenches to tighten this joint completely. The elbow and pipe should not shift or turn.
For a new underground pipe, measure length needed and connect it to the elbow and inlet pipe with threaded fittings.

Secure and Check Hydrant

Pack soil or gravel around the underground pipe section to stabilize it.
Make sure the hydrant riser is plumb and vertical. Place shims if on uneven ground.
Slowly turn on water supply and check for leaks at connections. Tighten if needed.
Open hydrant fully and let it run 3-5 minutes to flush any dirt or debris from the line.

Your new frost-free hydrant is now installed and ready for cold weather operation!

Troubleshooting Common Frost-Free Hydrant Problems

Even when properly installed, frost-free hydrants can sometimes develop issues. Try these troubleshooting tips for common problems:

Hydrant Won’t Drain or Drips When Off

Clogged drain holes – Remove nozzle and inspect for blockage. Clean out holes.
Damaged or missing drain o-rings – Disassemble hydrant and replace o-rings. Lubricate with silicone grease.
Cross threading – Disconnect pipe fittings and inspect threads. Reconnect using Teflon tape.

Hydrant Won’t Shut Off Completely

Worn valve seat or seals – Taking apart the valve stem and sealing components to inspect wear and replace as needed.
Loose or cracked handle – Tighten handle set screw or replace handle assembly.
Damaged threaded cap – Check cap for cracking or stripped threads. Replace if worn out.

Water Leaks From Top of Hydrant

Worn stem packing – Loosen packing nut, remove old packing rope, wrap new packing around stem and retighten nut.
Rust or mineral deposits – Clean valve stem shaft thoroughly before installing new packing.
Bent or damaged stem – The stem may need replacement if badly worn.

Hydrant Does Not Drain Below Frost Line

Not enough bury depth – May need to excavate and replace with longer riser pipe.
Drainage obstructed – Use wire to clear clogged drain holes or damaged weep hole.
Too much backfill – Remove excess soil around hydrant base to create proper drainage.

Taking the time to properly troubleshoot and fix any problems that arise with your frost-free hydrant will keep it working through many winters.

Annual Maintenance for Frost-Free Hydrants

Plan to do simple annual maintenance each fall to ensure your frost-free hydrant stays in good working order:

Inspect Exterior

Check for broken or missing handle. Replace if needed.
Clean off any dirt, debris or insect nests.
Remove weeds, foliage or grass growing around the hydrant base.
Confirm the hydrant remains plumb and vertical. Re-secure if loose.

Check Operation

Turn hydrant on and off several times and observe operation.
Listen for leaks at nozzle, packing nut or pipe joints while the water is flowing.
Allow to drain completely and check that water stops flowing, drips should not persist.

Lubricate Internal Parts

Disassemble top section and lubricate o-rings and valve stem threads with silicone grease.
Flush to remove any grit before reassembling.

Winterize System

Shut off and drain water supply lines and hydrant before first deep freeze.
Insulate exposed pipes and consider a heating cable if temperatures remain frigid.
Reopen system in spring once freezing risk has passed.

With regular maintenance and proper winterization, your frost-free hydrant will provide years of reliable service.

Replacing a Frost-Free Hydrant: Step-by-Step

Follow this step-by-step guide for the full process of replacing a frost-free hydrant:

Step 1: Turn Off Water and Release Pressure

Locate the shutoff valve for the hydrant water supply line. Use a valve key or wrench to turn the valve clockwise until completely closed. Then open the hydrant to allow built-up pressure to drain out completely.

Step 2: Disconnect Hydrant Parts

Use pipe wrenches to disconnect the elbow fitting at the base of the hydrant from the vertical riser pipe. Unscrew the swivel nut connecting the riser to the inlet piping. Remove all above ground hydrant components.

Step 3: Remove Old Underground Pipe

For an old corroded below-ground pipe, use a post hole digger and shovel to excavate around it. Once exposed, cut the pipe with a hacksaw and remove it from the hole.

Step 4: Install New Riser Pipe

Dry fit the new hydrant and riser pipe components to test proper alignment. Apply joint compound and Teflon tape to threads before making connections. Hand tighten first then firmly tighten all joints with pipe wrenches.

Step 5: Connect Inlet Piping

Insert new underground pipe section if needed. Align elbow fitting to the inlet piping and thread the connections together. Use wrenches to complete a tight seal.

Step 6: Secure Hydrant

Position the hydrant riser plumb and vertical. Pack soil and gravel around pipe to stabilize. Slowly turn water back on and check for leaks at connections while operating.

Step 7: Perform Annual Maintenance

Lubricate o-rings, inspect exterior and interior parts for wear yearly. Winterize by shutting off and draining water supply before freeze sets in.

Following these steps carefully when replacing your frost-free hydrant will ensure you complete this project correctly and end up with an upgraded hydrant that will last for years to come.

FAQs About Replacing Frost-Free Hydrants

What are signs it’s time to replace a frost-free hydrant?

Look for constant leaks when the hydrant is on or off, inability to fully shut off water flow, damaged or missing handle, bent or non-draining riser pipe, severe internal corrosion, and lack of frost resistance.

What size frost-free hydrant do I need?

Check your existing buried pipe diameter and match that capacity. Standard sizes are 3/4″ or 1″. Measure the bury depth and purchase a hydrant riser pipe at least 6” longer to ensure proper drainage slope.

Can I replace just the top hydrant head section?

It’s possible but not recommended. The underground pipe is subject to corrosion and damage over time. Replacing the full hydrant provides reliable operation.

How do I prevent frost damage without a frost-free hydrant?

Insulate exposed pipes, bury plumbing below the frost line, and shut off and drain pipes before winter. Add heat tape. Or fully replace with a frost-proof model.

What causes a frost-free hydrant to leak from the top?

This is typically caused by worn out internal stem packing. Removing the top section and replacing the old packing with new packing rope usually fixes this issue.

My hydrant won’t drain, what should I do?

Lack of drainage is typically due to clogged weep holes or drain holes. Try snaking a wire through the holes to clear any blockages. Also ensure proper grading for drainage away from the hydrant base.

Conclusion

Replacing an old leaking or damaged frost-free hydrant ensures you maintain a reliable outdoor water source all winter long. With the right tools and preparation, it is a project any moderately skilled DIYer can handle. Following the steps carefully to install the replacement hydrant properly and performing annual maintenance will provide maximum performance and life from your new hydrant. Just take your time, adhere to safe practices, and refer to this guide whenever you need to replace a frost-free hydrant.