How to Replace a Frost-Proof Yard Hydrant

A frost-proof yard hydrant has a long, vertical pipe, called a standpipe, that automatically drains when the water is shut off. The bottom of the standpipe reaches below the frost line, the depth to which the ground freezes in winter. The water drains out of the faucet and standpipe and into the unfrozen ground, thereby leaving no water that can freeze in the upper portion of the hydrant.

A yard hydrant must work properly to prevent freezing. If you have tried to repair a dripping hydrant without success, or if you find that a piece has broken, you may need to replace the hydrant altogether. Replacing a yard hydrant is not difficult but requires a fair amount of digging to reach the fitting and supply piping below the frost line.

Note: In the example shown here, the old yard hydrant is connected to an iron water-supply pipe running underground. Your project may differ somewhat if your water supply pipe is copper or PVC.

Supplies Needed:

• Shovel
• Pipe wrenches (2)
• Penetrating oil (as needed)
• Plumber's tape or pipe-joint compound
• Garden hose
• 1/2 inch drainage gravel

Shut off the water supply to the hydrant, and open the hydrant's faucet to remove any pressure on the line. Dig a hole around the hydrant to expose the standpipe, using a standard shovel (no power equipment) to prevent damaging the pipe. Remove enough soil and gravel around the fitting at the bottom of the standpipe to have sufficient room to work.

Unscrew the standpipe from the fitting, using two pipe wrenches: use one wrench to hold the fitting in place so it does not twist or move, and use the other wrench to twist the standpipe. If the standpipe is difficult to turn, soak the pipe threads (where the pipe meets the fitting) with penetrating oil, such as Liquid Wrench or WD-40. Let the oil sit for 15 to 30 minutes, then try again to remove the pipe. Repeat the oil application, if necessary.

Note: Be careful not to let dirt or gravel fall into the pipe fitting when the standpipe is removed. If some dirt or debris falls in, vacuum it out with a wet-dry shop vac.

Apply plumber's tape or pipe-joint compound to the threads on the standpipe of the new yard hydrant. Thread the standpipe into the fitting, again using two pipe wrenches, one to hold the fitting, and the other to turn the pipe. Tighten the standpipe snugly, stopping when the faucet faces in the desired position. Be careful not to over-tighten the standpipe.

Turn on the water supply to the hydrant and check all of the connections for leaks. Test the yard hydrant by attaching a hose to it and positioning the end of the hose well away from your hole, then open and close the hydrant faucet. Look into the bottom of the hole as you turn off the water at the hydrant: the water from the standpipe should drain out through the drain valve at the base of the standpipe.

Begin filling the hole with 1/2 inch drainage gravel up to about 3 inches above the hydrant's drain valve; this ensures that water draining from the standpipe will flow away from the valve. Fill in the remainder of the hole with soil, compacting it with your feet as you go.