Adjusting Yard Hydrant Packing

Any Flow® | C-1000 | CNL-1000 | M-2000

Troubleshoot a leak around the packing nut.

Before you start

Water can stay on for this adjustment

Remove the handle to reach the packing nut. Leave the operating rod in place.

Start at the top of the hydrant

Most packing leaks can be fixed from the top. Digging is generally only needed if the valve body or standpipe is damaged.

Tools you’ll need

Two 7/16-inch wrenches, two 9/16-inch wrenches, and a 3/4-inch deep socket or box wrench.

How to fix it

  1. Remove the handle

    Remove the handle on a Merrill yard hydrant

    Remove the handle bolt, handle, and draw straps to access the packing nut. Leave the operating rod in place.

  2. Tighten the packing nut

    Tighten the packing nut on a Merrill yard hydrant

    With the handle off, tighten the packing nut by ¼ turn. Avoid tightening it by a half or full turn at once.

  3. Reassemble and test

    Reassemble and test on a Merrill yard hydrant

    Reattach the draw straps, handle, and bolt. Move the handle up and down a few times, then check for leaks before adjusting again.

Still leaking?

Work in ¼-turn increments. After each adjustment, move the handle up and down a few times and check for leaks. If the leak continues after three adjustments, follow the Packing Replacement guide to add new packing.

Repair kits by model

If the plunger is worn, match the repair kit to your hydrant model.

Hydrant modelRepair kit
Any Flow® 3/4-inchPKAF
Any Flow® 1-inchPKA1F
C-1000 / CNL-1000PKCF
M-2000PKPF

Need help? Call Merrill at 800-831-6962.