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What Is a Yard Hydrant?
A yard hydrant is an outdoor water fixture that provides access to running water in areas away from a building, such as gardens, farms, or barns. What makes it unique is the shutoff valve is buried below the frost line, allowing water to drain out of the pipe after each use. This prevents freezing and makes yard hydrants ideal for cold climates.
How Does a Yard Hydrant Work?
A yard hydrant works via a vertical pipe connected to an underground water supply. When the handle is lifted, it opens a valve at the bottom of the pipe, allowing pressurized water to rise and flow out of the spout. When the handle is lowered, the valve closes and a drain port opens, letting any remaining water in the riser pipe drain into the gravel bed below, which prevents freezing during the winter. The system works without electricity and provides reliable outdoor water access year-round.
How to Install a Yard Hydrant (Step-by-Step)
1. Choose a Location
Pick a spot with easy access to the water supply and good drainage. Avoid low areas where water tends to collect.
2. Dig Down to the Supply Pipe
Dig a trench to access your existing water line and fill the bottom with gravel to create a proper drainage bed. This trench must go below the frost line to prevent freezing.
How Deep Should You Bury a Frost-Free Hydrant?
A frost-free water hydrant should usually bu buried 3 to 5 feet for the valve and drain port to sit below the frost line, but it varies based on the climate in your area.
3. Install a Tee Fitting
Once the supply pipe is exposed, cut into it and add a tee fitting to create a new vertical branch. Ensure the tee matches your pipe type and is installed firmly with no leaks.
5. Connect the Hydrant to the Water Line
If you’re connecting a yard hydrant to PVC, use a PVC-to-metal transition fitting, such as a Male Iron Pipe (MIP) adapter, to join the supply line to the hydrant.
- Prime and cement the PVC side
- Wrap Teflon tape around the metal threads
- Thread the adapter into the hydrant inlet and tighten securely but gently. Ensure the fitting is rated for underground use and that all joints are leak-free. If you’re using other pipe types (e.g., PEX or copper), use appropriate adapters and follow manufacturer guidelines.
6. Set and Secure the Hydrant
Position the hydrant in the gravel pit with the drain port sitting just above the gravel and below the frost line. After confirming that it’s level and upright, add more gravel around the base before backfilling to support proper drainage.
7. Test the System
Turn on the water supply and raise the hydrant handle to check for water flow. Close it and confirm that water drains from the riser pipe into the gravel bed.
8. Backfill the Trench
Backfill the trench and compress the soil gently to avoid shifting the hydrant. Re-grade the area to divert surface water away from the hydrant base.
Tips for Installing a Frost-Free Yard Hydrant
- Use a gravel drain bed around the base to promote drainage and prevent freezing.
- Install a shutoff valve upstream so the hydrant can be isolated for repairs.
- Check for level and plumb before backfilling to ensure smooth operation.
- Avoid over-tightening connections, especially when transitioning between PVC and metal fittings.
- Flush the line before connecting the hydrant to remove debris that could clog the drain port.
How Much Does Yard Hydrant Installation Cost?
The cost to hire a professional plumber to install a yard hydrant ranges from $300 to $700 on average. The price varies based on depth, location, and existing plumbing. Deeper frost lines or rocky soil can increase costs.
Are Yard Hydrants, In-Ground Water Spigots, and In-Ground Hose Bibs the Same Thing?
No, yard hydrants, in-ground water spigots, and in-ground hose bibs are not the same, although they serve similar purposes.
A yard hydrant is a frost-proof outdoor water fixture with a shutoff valve buried below the frost line. It is operated with an above-ground handle and drains automatically when turned off. Yard hydrants are ideal for year-round use in gardens, barns, or rural properties.
An in-ground water spigot typically refers to a water outlet installed inside a valve box at or below ground level. These spigots may or may not have frost protection and are often operated using a special key or tool rather than a standard handle.
An in-ground hose bib is a recessed outdoor faucet designed for connecting a hose. It is usually installed at ground level or slightly below, often in a valve box, and may be concealed for aesthetic or safety reasons. These are typically used for lawn irrigation and seasonal outdoor tasks, but are not always frost-proof.
Red vs Blue Yard Hydrant
Red and blue hydrants often indicate different brands or flow ratings. Red hydrants (like Woodford models) are widely used and known for durability. Blue hydrants may signify a different manufacturer or a lighter-duty model. The color isn’t standardized, so check specs like flow rate, pipe compatibility, and freeze protection features when choosing which one to buy.
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