Frost Free Hydrant: Difference between revisions

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*The ultimate solution is the [[Pitless Adapter]] in terms of replacement. Slide-in connection, no dig required. Saves huge costs of excavation-replacement
*The ultimate solution is the [[Pitless Adapter]] in terms of replacement. Slide-in connection, no dig required. Saves huge costs of excavation-replacement


=Summary=
=OSE Campus Policy Recommendation=
Frost free hydrants should be used strategically. In large open areas where stock watering is required - absolutely. But nowhere else. Expect maintenance of valves, and replament every decade or two. This is especially challenging if other lines such as electrical or internet complicate routing. Conclusion: do not use freeze-proof hydrants unless absolutely necessary. Absolutely necessary means ONLY daily supply in freezing weather. Not summer watering/pools/filling. Those should be in non-frost areas, or rolled up in winter. Long supply line is cheap ($100 for 1000 feet [https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rain-Bird-1-2-in-x-500-ft-Distribution-Tubing-for-Drip-Irrigation-T63-500S/202262487])
Frost free hydrants should be used strategically. In large open areas where stock watering is required - absolutely. But nowhere else. Expect maintenance of valves, and replament every decade or two. This is especially challenging if other lines such as electrical or internet complicate routing. Conclusion: do not use freeze-proof hydrants unless absolutely necessary. Absolutely necessary means ONLY daily supply in freezing weather. Not summer watering/pools/filling. Those should be in non-frost areas, or rolled up in winter. Long supply line is cheap ($100 for 1000 feet [https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rain-Bird-1-2-in-x-500-ft-Distribution-Tubing-for-Drip-Irrigation-T63-500S/202262487]).
 
Furthermore, when installing freeze-proof hydrants - use a [[Pitless Adapter]] for easy replacement.


=Links=
=Links=

Revision as of 01:04, 24 October 2021

  • Brand matters. Reports of life from 1-5 years for really crappy ones, others are more like decades of life [1]
  • OSE experience - galvanized pipe corrodes over 9 years - see bottom of hydrant all corroded in album [2]. In album picture, brass seems to eat galvanized through electrolytic action - [3]
    • Note some soils can be very corrosive [4]
  • PVC and plastic lasts indefinitely [5]
  • Galvanized pipes last between 20-50 years [6]

Replacement

  • The ultimate solution is the Pitless Adapter in terms of replacement. Slide-in connection, no dig required. Saves huge costs of excavation-replacement

OSE Campus Policy Recommendation

Frost free hydrants should be used strategically. In large open areas where stock watering is required - absolutely. But nowhere else. Expect maintenance of valves, and replament every decade or two. This is especially challenging if other lines such as electrical or internet complicate routing. Conclusion: do not use freeze-proof hydrants unless absolutely necessary. Absolutely necessary means ONLY daily supply in freezing weather. Not summer watering/pools/filling. Those should be in non-frost areas, or rolled up in winter. Long supply line is cheap ($100 for 1000 feet [7]).

Furthermore, when installing freeze-proof hydrants - use a Pitless Adapter for easy replacement.

Links