Frost free outdoor hydrant

[ShadyTreeAcres]

I have an old, leaky hydrant in my barn that I want to replace before it gets much colder. Got any tips on brands or things to make sure I do at the same time? Repairing is not an option...this things looks old.

Also, how do I know if the one I have can be replaced just at the top or if I need to dig down to where it connects to the water line and replace the whole unit?

And finally, I want to keep it from freezing. Its in the barn but will still get plenty cold. I saw at Rural King that they have electric wraps that go along the pipe. Are these necessary if I get a frost free one?

Thanks.

 

[Latestarter]

I believe that the washer/bushing for the water valve is at/near the bottom of the riser pipe... That's why it doesn't freeze... The water is supposed to drain out the bottom when you close the valve. So I'm pretty sure you'll need to dig it out and replace the whole thing. I don't know for sure as I've never had to replace one. Since the water drains out of the riser, you shouldn't need a heat tape for the pipe. Not sure where you're located or how cold it gets there, but I used mine to temps down blow zero with no issues.

You just have to make sure to run enough water through it to heat the pipe to water temp before shutting it off, so the water left in the pipe has time to drain before the pipe cools back down to sub freezing temp. There will be a skim of water left in the pipe that will freeze, but it should thaw the next time you use it, or next time the outside temp goes above freezing.

 

[Bruce]

What @Latestarter said. Before the line to mine ruptured (*) it worked even at -20F with no heat tape on the riser pipe. You can hear the water running back down the pipe when you shut it off.

* I am ASSUMING since it worked for 2 years after we bought the place before it didn't. Then even though it was closed the pump in the house kept running and running and running when I opened the valve in the basement. Therefore it never got to pressure. No idea where the water was going.