Replacing Yard Hydrant Packing

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

Add new packing through the top of your Merrill yard hydrant.

Before you start

Add new packing on top of the old packing. Mark the lower adjusting nut’s position before removing the adjusting nuts and pivot connector.

You can replace the packing from the top of the hydrant without digging.

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

Remove the handle

Shut off the water supply. Open the hydrant to relieve remaining pressure, then close it. Remove the handle bolt and set the handle, bolt, and draw straps aside.
Mark and remove the hardware

Mark the lower adjusting nut’s position for reassembly. Remove the adjusting nuts and pivot connector.
Remove the packing nut

Remove the packing nut. Leave the old packing in place because removing it can damage the threads.
Add new packing

Cut the new packing into thirds. Place one piece in the packing nut hole on top of the old packing. Reinstall the packing nut and tighten it without overtightening.
Reassemble and test

Return the lower adjusting nut to its mark. Reinstall the pivot connector, upper adjusting nut, draw straps, handle, and handle bolt. Restore the water supply and cycle the handle a few times. Check for leaks around the packing nut. If it still leaks, repeat the procedure and add another one-third piece.