Quick Answer
To winterize a frost-free hydrant, drain the water from the hydrant and its attached pipes, then add antifreeze or a non-toxic winterizing solution to prevent water from freezing and expanding.
Preparation is Key
Before winterizing your frost-free hydrant, ensure you have a sufficient supply of antifreeze or a non-toxic winterizing solution. Typically, 1 cup of antifreeze per 1 gallon of water is a good starting point. It’s also essential to check the hydrant’s manufacturer instructions for any specific recommendations on winterizing procedures.
Draining the Hydrant
To drain the water from the hydrant, turn off the main water supply and open the drain valve on the hydrant. Allow the water to flow out of the hydrant and its attached pipes until no more water flows. Use a hose to flush out any remaining water from the pipes, ensuring they are completely drained. It’s recommended to use a submersible pump to remove any remaining water from the hydrant’s riser pipe.
Winterizing the Hydrant
Once the hydrant is drained, add the recommended amount of antifreeze or winterizing solution to the hydrant and its attached pipes. This will prevent the water from freezing and expanding, which can cause damage to the hydrant and its components. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended amount of antifreeze or winterizing solution to use.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.