Replacing a Yard Hydrant Plunger

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

Replace the plunger through the top of your Merrill yard hydrant.

Before you start

Have the correct replacement plunger ready. Mark the head position so you can reinstall it to the same depth.

Reach the plunger through the top of the hydrant before considering excavation.

Two pipe wrenches, Vise-Grips, tape, and a bench vise.

Mark the head position

Wrap tape around the standpipe just below the hydrant head to mark how far down to reinstall it.
Turn off the water and remove the head

Shut off the water supply and open the hydrant to relieve pressure. Hold the standpipe with one pipe wrench and turn the head counterclockwise at its base with the second wrench. Two people may be needed.
Pull out the operating rod

Lift the head, operating rod, and attached plunger straight up out of the standpipe. Keep the rod straight to avoid bending it.
Replace the plunger

Use Vise-Grips to unscrew the old plunger. Avoid gripping any rubber part to prevent damage. Install the new plunger.
Reinstall the head and test

Screw the head back onto the standpipe to the tape mark. Further adjustment usually isn’t needed. Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks.