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Author:
sgull (AK)
We have several of those "freezeless" Woodford Iowa Yard Hydrants installed around the facility where I work. Most of them have hoses attached with nozzles on the end. I'm noticing that when the users are done using the hydrant and close the handle on the hydrant water remains within the hose, as the nozzles too are closed by the users. I'm concerned that with freezing winter temperatures the hydrants with such hoses attached could be damaged if the water within the hoses freezes solid.
What might be a practical solution to avoid that? Make sure users remove the hoses from the hydrants after they use them, or, if they need to keep the hoses connected just make sure there is some at least water trickling out the nozzle all the time?
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Author:
stemity23 (ME)
I would not advise leaving the water trickling. One thing you might try, would be to install a screw on vacuum breaker at the hydrant. this would allow the water to siphon back down the hydrant without removing the hose. Or, you could try to get those that use the hydrants to just break the siphon by loosening the the hose end for a few seconds, then retighten it. then again, it is never good practice to leave a hose on during freezing weather.
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Author:
Wheelchair
I'd play it safe and call Woodford Mfg at 719-574-1101 and see what the warranty covers in your situation. You just might be surprised.
Best Wishes
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Author:
sgull (AK)
I called Woodford and asked about it. Only solution to avoid cracking head in freezing temps with our model is to have users make sure to disconnect hoses, along with making sure to shut hydrant handle all the way off. The problem with that is when they disconnect the hose they'll leave it outside there next to the hydrant, it'll still have water in it, and the next time they get ready to use the hose again it'll be frozen.
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
Wheelchair
So now that you know you have a choice between a crack head or frozen hose. But that sounds more like a management decision and capital resources.
Best Wishes
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Author:
hj
A screw on vacuum breaker allows air into the hose. It SEALS the faucet so backflow will not occur, so the water will still be trapped in the faucet.
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Author:
dlh (TX)
the yard hydrant should have a built in vacuum breaker that drains into the ground. the premise of such a faucet being freeze resistant is that it evacuate the water in the head and stand pipe. if these were not installed properly then you have a problem that only digging them up and making sure they are properly installed will fix. they must have a gravel pit at the bottom for the hydrant to drain. after years of service it is possible that enough dirt has filtered into the gravel to essentially cause the faucet to drain slowly if at all
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PLUMBERS "Protecting The Health Of The Nation"
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Author:
sgull (AK)
dlh, the hydrants were installed properly and have been in service for many years now. As I explained we have this issue with users leaving hoses attached in freezing temperatures (at least one cracked head probably due to such practice). You mention that it's possible that dirt could have built up in the gravel bed to a point where the faucets do not drain or close to it. What do you mean by the faucets not draining? Do you mean when you close the handle on the hydrant that all the water in the standpipe may not be draining back down where it is supposed to go, in the gravel bed down there below the frostline?
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Author:
dlh (TX)
exactly.
ill bet the faucets that freeze and break, break between where the hose attaches and the spot where it drains to the ground. a vacuum breaker on the faucets may stop that
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PLUMBERS "Protecting The Health Of The Nation"
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