Winterizing around the Farm/Ranch

[SandburRanch]

As we prepare for winter weather we usually think to drain garden hoses and/or put them away, check antifreeze levels in vehicles etc. etc., but did you ever think to check the operation of your frost/freeze proof hydrant. They are freeze proof only if they operate as designed.

There are a few ways to check the drain function which makes them freeze proof and I'm sure there are more than I've thought of.

One way is to observe the time it takes for water to reach the hose connection once the hydrant is turned on.

Another option is to to operate the hydrant without a hose connected, shut it off and immediately place the palm of your hand over the threaded opening. When you release your hand slightly you'll hear and feel a slight air/vacuum/ if the drain is working.

Possibly my favorite, because of having the ability to see how fast it drains back, is to fill a cup having the hydrant opening in the cup near the bottom when the water is shut off. When the supply is shut off the water will be siphoned from the cup and you can make a judgment call at that time how fast it should drain back through a hole that's approximately an eighth inch. My 2 ft. bury takes about 10-12 seconds.

Disregard the black line in the pic as that is only a reference line for adjustment during installation.

Have a warm winter.

 

[creekbend]

It appears that your info will help many TBN members. When we installed our two hydrants several years ago, my son-in-law who is a plumber advised me accordingly. Another thing I have learn is if you don't open them every once in awhile and use them or let water run through the system, they have a tendency to not operate properly or allow sufficient water flow. Another thing I do to get ready for the upcoming snow and ice, is to place salt in containers on both the front and back decks.:tractor:

 

[SandburRanch]

Another thing I do to get ready for the upcoming snow and ice, is to place salt in containers on both the front and back decks.:tractor:

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I'll just bet my last dollar there isn't a person on this forum that doesn't know of someone somewhere that broke bones or worse slipping on ice. Why people won't take such a simple inexpensive precautionary measure as you suggest is beyond me. I have an older brother (requires a cane) and sister (has had hip replacement) that have heads as hard as a steel ball saying "OH I'll be careful". I tell them to be sure and take your phone so when you're laying there on your *** you may be able to call for help if you are lucky. That's about all I can do is suggest.

I keep a bucket of sand (SandburRanch) and salt also.