R-6000 Yard Hydrant Leaking From the Drain Hole?

R-6000 Farm Yard Hydrant

First, check whether the hydrant leaks while running or continues to leak after shutoff.

Before you start

Leaking when on

The plunger may sit too low to close the drain hole while water runs. Turn the adjusting nuts clockwise to lower them.

Still leaking when off

The plunger may sit too high to shut off the water supply. Turn the adjusting nuts counterclockwise to raise them.

Tools you’ll need

Two 9/16-inch wrenches.

How to fix it

  1. Find the adjusting nuts

    Find the adjusting nuts on an R-6000 hydrant

    Locate the upper and lower adjusting nuts and pivot connector on the rod above the hydrant head.

  2. Turn the top nut ¼ turn

    Turn the top nut ¼ turn on an R-6000 hydrant

    If it leaks when on, turn the top nut clockwise. If it keeps leaking when off, turn the top nut counterclockwise.

  3. Secure the connector

    Secure the connector on an R-6000 hydrant

    Move the pivot connector up against the top nut. Turn the bottom nut in the same direction to hold it.

  4. Turn on, then off

    Turn on, then off on an R-6000 hydrant

    Operate the hydrant, shut it off, and check for leaks. Repeat using only small adjustments.

Still leaking?

Adjust by a quarter turn at a time and test after each adjustment. Turning too far clockwise when correcting a leak that occurs while the hydrant is on can cause a nozzle leak. If the leak continues after about three adjustments, the plunger may need replacement. Digging is generally needed only for valve body or standpipe damage.

R-6000 repair kit

Box kit PKRF includes the plunger and major repair parts.

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