Hydrant interfaces

How you interface your outdoor water hydrant will depend more on where it fits in the outdoor line than on the pipe material (assuming it’s poly.)  Use T-fittings on in-line runs and elbows on end-of-the-run installations.  Buy and assemble the best fittings you can afford.  An investment now will save maintenance, costs and labor later.

Installing hydrants

Installation for both in-line (using T-fittings) and end-of-the-run hydrants (using elbows) is basically the same.  Follow these simple tips:

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Tip #1  Tape the interface fitting threads with Teflon tape;

Tip #2  Screw the fitting into the hydrant;

Tip #3  Slip the pipe on the fitting, and secure it with two all stainless clamps on each side;

Tip #4  Set the hydrant in the trench, drop a bucket of gravel around the drain hole, and fill in the ditch.

Tip #5  To keep an end-of-the-run hydrant turned in the right direction, make the turn with the fitting, not the pipe.

PLUMBING TRADE SECRETS:  When taking the lines to the hydrant through a concrete or block basement wall, punch out a hole for a PVC pipe slightly larger than the water line pipe.  Use the PVC as a sleeve through the wall to protect the water line pipe from abrasion.  Once in, caulk all around the joint to prevent water intrusion.

WHAT CAN GO WRONG:  Just remember that this protective sleeve is not enough to prevent freezing.  Other measures will have to be taken to protect the water line pipe when temperatures dip below freezing.