At PRIER, when there is a failure of our product, we like to examine it to learn and help make our products better. Many of these come across my desk and most of these failures could have easily been avoided. The top two causes both have the same root issue; trapped water in the hydrant. When water is trapped in the hydrant and it freezes, many times the result is a pipe burst. This may go undetected all winter until the hydrant is opened in spring and water floods the area. For many of you, the solutions to prevent this will be obvious, but bear with me as it can help those to whom it is not.
Our hydrants are designed so when they are installed correctly, there is a rise from the outlet to the seat (where the hydrant is attached to the plumbing system in the house) or, conversely, a downward slope from the inside to the outlet. This allows gravity to drain the water from the hydrant. The outlet is to be installed in a downward fashion facilitating this drainage. Some recent failures occurred due to the outlet facing sideways and even slightly upward, thus trapping water in the hydrant.
The second cause is due to leaving the hose on the hydrant in the winter. Water cannot drain because it is trapped in the hydrant and hose. Due to the attached hose, the hydrant will not be able to drain even when the hydrant has been installed correctly. Remember to remove the hose in the winter to avoid any potential problems. If you want to leave the hose on, or if you are prone to forgetting, we do offer self-draining hydrants such as the PRIER C-434.
Both of these causes can be easily remedied. Be sure to check your hydrants each fall to ensure that many winters (and springs) to come will be free from failure.
Contact PRIER customer service for questions or more information: 800-362-9055.
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