Yard Hydrant Leaking From the Drain Hole?

Any Flow® | C-1000 | M-2000

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 7/16-inch wrenches and two 9/16-inch wrenches.

How to fix it

  1. Remove the handle

    Remove the handle

    Use the 7/16-inch wrenches to remove the handle bolt. Set the handle, bolt, and draw straps aside.

  2. Adjust the top nut by ¼ turn

    Adjust the top nut by ¼ turn

    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

    Push the pivot connector up against the top nut. Turn the bottom nut in the same direction to secure it.

  4. Reassemble and test

    Testing the reassembled yard hydrant

    Reattach the draw straps, handle, and bolt. Turn the water on, then off, and check for leaks.

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.

Repair kits by model

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.