How to Install a Frost Free Hydrant: A StepbyStep Guide for YearRound Water Supply

ByGeorge Orwell Updated

How to Install a Frost Free Hydrant?

To install a frost-free hydrant, start by selecting a suitable location that is convenient and protected from vehicles.

Ideally, place it next to a south-facing wall for maximum sunlight exposure and away from large stock in pastures or corrals.

Next, locate an existing water line to tap into or connect the hydrant to the cold water system inside the house or shop.

Dig a trench below the frost line from the water supply to the hydrant location, and create a pit at the hydrant end filled with pea rock or crushed stone.

Use 3/4-inch-diameter PEX rated for direct bury as the feed line, connected to the water supply with a ball valve.

Attach the hydrant end to a check valve to prevent water from flowing back into the system.

Pressurize the line to check for leaks, install proper drainage by adding a drain near the bottom of the hydrant, and backfill the excavation with crushed rock or pea rock.

Use a steel or wooden post for additional support, and install the hydrant in an area protected from wind to minimize freezing risks.

In extremely cold conditions, run several gallons of water through the hydrant to warm the standpipe and allow water to drain before freezing.

Lastly, remember to remove any attached hoses to ensure proper drainage and prevent potential damage to the hydrant.

Key Points:

  • Select a suitable location for the frost-free hydrant that is convenient and protected
  • Find an existing water line or connect the hydrant to the cold water system
  • Dig a trench below the frost line and create a pit filled with pea rock or crushed stone at the hydrant end
  • Use 3/4-inch-diameter PEX rated for direct bury as the feed line, connected with a ball valve
  • Attach a check valve to prevent water from flowing back into the system, and pressurize the line to check for leaks
  • Install proper drainage, backfill the excavation with crushed rock or pea rock, and use a post for additional support

Did You Know?

1. Prior to the invention of frost-free hydrants, farmers had to manually drain the water from their hydrants during the winter to prevent freezing. This was a labor-intensive task that often resulted in damaged pipes and costly repairs.

2. Frost-free hydrants use a vacuum breaker valve to prevent water from being sucked back into the water supply, protecting the quality and safety of the water.

3. The first frost-free hydrant was patented in 1912 by the American inventor and master plumber Oscar Martin Haas. His invention revolutionized the way water could be accessed in freezing temperatures.

4. Frost-free hydrants typically have an underground shutoff valve that allows the water supply to be turned off during extreme cold weather, further preventing the risk of freezing and expanding ice.

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5. In regions with extremely cold climates, some frost-free hydrants are installed with a heat trace tape or electric heating system, which helps keep the hydrant’s water supply warm even in frigid temperatures.

Choose The Location

When installing a frost-free hydrant, the first and most crucial step is to carefully choose the location. Consider the following factors:

  • Convenience: Select a location that is easily accessible for daily use.
  • Protection from vehicles: Avoid placing the hydrant in an area where it may be at risk of being damaged by vehicles.
  • Exposure to sunlight: It is recommended to place the hydrant next to a south-facing wall to ensure maximum sunlight exposure.
  • Avoiding pasture or corral: Locate the hydrant outside of the pasture or corral to protect it from potential damage caused by large stock.

Remember, the proper location is essential for the optimal functionality and longevity of your frost-free hydrant.

Connect To The Water Supply

Once the ideal location for the frost-free hydrant has been determined, the next step is to find an existing water line to tap into or connect to the cold water system inside your house or shop. This will provide the necessary water supply for the hydrant. It is essential to accurately locate the water line to ensure a proper connection.

Dig The Trench

After locating the water supply, the next important step is to dig a trench below the frost line from the water supply to the hydrant location. This trench should be deep enough to ensure that the water supply line remains buried beneath the frost line, which varies depending on the region. By burying the line below the frost line, you can effectively prevent freezing of the water in the hydrant during harsh winter conditions.

To summarize the process:

  • Locate the water supply
  • Dig a trench below the frost line
  • Ensure the trench is deep enough to bury the water supply line beneath the frost line
  • This will prevent freezing of the water in the hydrant during winter months.

Remember, proper installation plays a crucial role in maintaining the functionality and durability of hydrants.

Note: It is essential to consult local building codes and regulations to determine the specific frost line depth in your region.

Prepare The Hydrant Pit

To ensure proper drainage and prevent water buildup and potential freezing at the hydrant end of the trench, it is recommended to create a pit and fill it with pea rock or crushed stone. This method not only improves the stability and longevity of the hydrant but also provides a solid base for it.

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Install The Supply Line And Check Valve

For the water supply line, it is recommended to use 3/4-inch-diameter PEX rated for direct bury. This durable material is ideal for handling the outdoor conditions to which a frost-free hydrant is exposed. Connect the PEX line to the water supply using a ball valve, which will allow you to control the flow of water to the hydrant.

Consider installing an outdoor valve box if the supply tap is located outdoors, as this will provide additional protection and ease of access for maintenance purposes. This optional step can further safeguard the water supply line leading to the hydrant, ensuring its longevity.

Attach the hydrant end of the supply line to a check valve. This valve is crucial as it prevents water from flowing back into the system, ensuring that the hydrant remains frost-free and preventing damage to the water supply line. Verify that the check valve is securely attached to ensure a reliable and leak-free connection.

  • Use 3/4-inch-diameter PEX rated for direct bury for the water supply line.
  • Connect the PEX line to the water supply using a ball valve.
  • Consider installing an outdoor valve box for additional protection and ease of access.
  • Attach the hydrant end of the supply line to a check valve to prevent water backflow.

Ensure Proper Drainage

Proper drainage is essential when installing a frost-free hydrant to prevent water from accumulating and potentially freezing. Install a drain near the bottom of the hydrant to allow for effective water drainage. This step will further enhance the frost-free functionality of the hydrant by ensuring that any excess water is promptly removed.

Conclusion

Installing a frost-free hydrant is a crucial step in providing a reliable water supply throughout the year. Here are the key steps to follow for a successful installation:

  1. Location selection: Carefully choose a location that is easily accessible and away from potential obstructions.

  2. Water supply connection: Connect the hydrant to the main water supply using appropriate connectors and fittings.

  3. Trench digging: Dig a trench of suitable depth from the water supply to the location of the hydrant.

  4. Hydrant pit preparation: Prepare a pit at the desired location for the hydrant, ensuring it is deep enough to accommodate the required bury depth.

  5. Supply line and check valve installation: Install the supply line, making sure it is properly connected to the hydrant and the check valve.

  6. Proper drainage: Ensure that proper drainage is in place to prevent water accumulation and potential freezing issues.

Remember to consult local codes for recommended bury depth and follow all the steps provided to ensure a proper installation.

“With a well-installed and properly maintained frost-free hydrant, you can have peace of mind knowing that your water supply will remain unfrozen and accessible in any season.”

  • Select a suitable location
  • Connect to the water supply
  • Dig an appropriate trench
  • Prepare the hydrant pit
  • Install the supply line and check valve
  • Ensure proper drainage
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These steps will ensure the reliable performance of your frost-free hydrant.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you install an outdoor water hydrant?

To install an outdoor water hydrant, the first step is to dig down to the supply pipe. If feasible, shut off the water supply to the underground line, or alternatively, shut off the water to the house temporarily. Next, install a tee fitting onto the supply pipe to create a connection point for the hydrant. Afterward, add the MIP adapter, which will serve as the connection between the tee fitting and the hydrant. Finally, complete the installation by fastening the hydrant securely in place and ensuring proper sealing. By following these steps, you can successfully install an outdoor water hydrant for convenient water access in your outdoor space.

How deep does a frost-free hydrant need to be?

To ensure proper functionality, a frost-free hydrant typically needs to be buried at a depth of at least 7 feet. However, it is important to check with your local code as this bury depth may vary depending on your area’s specific regulations. Adhering to these guidelines will help prevent freezing and ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the hydrant in providing a reliable water source.

What is the standard connection for a hydrant?

The standard connection for a hydrant consists of two 2.5 inch hose connection outlets, each with 7.5 threads per inch (TPI). These outlets are designed to accommodate hoses commonly used by firefighters. Additionally, there is one 4.5 inch-pumper connection outlet with 4 threads per inch. This larger outlet is intended for connecting a pumper truck to the hydrant, allowing for a greater water flow capacity during firefighting operations. With these specific sizing and threading standards, fire departments can ensure compatibility and efficiency when connecting hoses and pumpers to hydrants in emergency situations.

What is the required pressure for a hydrant?

To ensure effective firefighting and prevent contamination of the public water supply, it is recommended that fire hydrants maintain a residual pressure of 20 psi (pounds per square inch) or 1.4 bar. This pressure requirement ensures a sufficient flow of water is readily available for firefighting purposes while also minimizing the risk of backflow that could compromise the quality of the water supply. By maintaining this pressure standard, hydrants can reliably serve their purpose in emergency situations.

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