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How To Install A Yard Hydrant? 5 Easy Steps!

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Establishing a water hydrant in the yard is an excellent approach to provide a convenient water source where it is needed. The attractiveness of a water hydrant that is frost-proof is that it automatically drains when the water is turned off, preventing the water within the tap from freezing in the winter.

To ensure the frost-proof operation, the drainage valve at the base of the hydrant’s standpipe should be positioned underneath the frost line or the depth at which the earth freezes in winter.

This varies depending on the environment; therefore, correspond with your regional building division to determine what depth is advised in your location. In this article, we will discuss how to install a yard hydrant.

Installing a water hydrant is simple if you have access to an existing underground water supply pipe, for instance, the mainline for a water sprinkler system. If there isn’t one, you’ll have to run a new connection to the nearest water hydrant.

The hydrant can be built into a PVC water line close to some in-ground sprinkler valves, where cutting into the supply line and adding a tee fitting for the pristine hydrant will be simple.

How To Install A Yard Hydrant
Yard Hydrant via pxhere

Things You’ll Need

  • Shovel
  • Level
  • PVC tee fitting
  • Plumber’s tape
  • PVC pipe hacksaw or cutter
  • PVC pipes cut into proper sizes
  • Water-Pump Pliers
  • PVC solvent glue
  • 90-degree elbow according to the size of the hydrant
  • Male-threaded MIP adapter (slip fitting)
  • Extra PVC fittings
  • Yard hydrant having a drain valve and a standpipe
  • Gravel 1/2-inch

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Install A Yard Hydrant

Getting water closer to where it’s required is a tremendous benefit, whether you’re washing a tractor, watering a fresh section of the garden, or filling a stock tank.

Installing a new spigot, even one that’s weatherproof, is surprisingly simple—especially when compared to carrying a couple of hundred feet of garden hose to wherever duty beckons.

Step 1: Determine the Location

  • The first step is to choose a location for the hydrant.
  • Make sure it’s in a location where it’ll be useful for various reasons and won’t be hit by a vehicle like a snowplow, tractor, or truck.
  • It should ideally be placed adjacent to a building’s south-facing wall, where it will receive the maximum sunlight.
  • You’ll also want to keep it safe from large animals, so place it on the outside of the pasture or corral if at all possible.

Step 2: Dig Down to the Water Supply Pipe

  • If feasible, switch off the subterranean supply line’s water supply; otherwise, switch off the house’s water supply.
  • Dig a huge hole near the hydrant, adequately uncovering the water supply pipe to allow you to work comfortably.
  • To avoid causing impairment to the pipe, only use a hand shovel.

Step 3: Establish a Tee Fitting

  • Using a PVC pipe cutter or a hacksaw, cut a short length of the supply line of water to install a tee fitting of 90-degree.
  • Fit a small-sized PVC pipe into the tee’s side outlet, but don’t use the glue to fit it in.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for permanently installing the tee fitting into the water supply pipe using the PVC solvent glue.
  • Use a level to ensure the cemented tee is absolutely horizontal when positioning it along the pipe’s short length.
  • When there is not enough space for a tee fitting, the irrigation scheme manifold may need to be reconfigured to create extra working space.

Step 4: Set up the MIP Adapter

  • Using the plumber’s tape, secure the MIP adapter and a 90-degree elbow to the base of the standpipe of the water hydrant, then tighten the fittings with water-pump pliers, also known as tongue-and-groove pliers.
  • The MIP adapter comprises male threads connecting to the elbow and a satiny (slip) socket for solvent-gluing to the water supply’s PVC pipe.
  • Install a 90-degree elbow which is 1/8-inches, into the drain valve to point downward for further clogging protection. This prevents the valve from becoming clogged by the dirt that enters from the sides.

Step 5: Finish the job

  • To connect the water hydrant with the water supply line’s tee connection, cut the pipes and install extra fittings as needed.
  • All fittings should be tested (without glue) to ensure proper fit.
  • Using solvent adhesive, join every PVC fittings and pipe together.
  • It will be a good notion to back the water hydrant with a couple of metal rebar pieces to hold it in location while the adhesive sets if it’s heavy.
  • Allow the glue to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Turn the water on and check for leaks in all of the connections.
  • To ensure that the hydrant drains appropriately, fill the space all around the drain valve with 1/2-inch crushed rock to a level height of at least 3 inches well above the drain valve.

Here are a few last tips:

  • Use a backfilling method to prevent dirt from entering any of the open PVC pipe joints.
  • Place a concrete form around the hydrant standpipe and gravel underneath it before backfilling to allow water drainage.
  • Because ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause cracking, aging, and leaks in regular PVC piping, it’s a good idea to paint the pipe exterior with a special UV-resistant PVC paint.

Maintenance Instructions

  • Flush and clean all dirt from the hydrant after every use.
  • Before long-term storage, drain the hydrant by opening the water supply valve and removing any debris such as leaves or sticks that may have fallen into it.
  • Close the drain valve before storing it in a safe place away from harsh weather conditions, then cover it with plastic sheeting to protect it.

Final Remarks

A yard hydrant is designed to be used with a garden hose, so you’ll want to place it where it’s most convenient for using the hose. If you need another location, simply repeat the process of digging down to the water supply pipe and installing another tee fitting.

It is also possible to bury the water supply pipe deep underground, but this requires digging a very large hole and reduces the likelihood that you’ll be able to make repairs or upgrades easily. If you decide on this option, it’s best to consult with a professional plumber before beginning work.

Now that you know how to install a yard hydrant, the decision is yours. If you want to save time and money, go with a prefabricated hydrant.

They are easy to install, look professional, and most offer free lifetime technical support. If you don’t mind taking on some additional work, consider building your own custom yard hydrant for superior convenience and durability.

Whichever you choose, one thing is for sure – your lawn will be the best looking in the neighborhood.