Yard Hydrant Leaking From the Nozzle?

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

A simple guide to help you stop the leak.

Before you start

Is your hydrant actually leaking?

A little water draining after shutoff is normal. If water keeps leaking after drainage stops, follow the steps below.

Don’t dig up your yard hydrant!

Most nozzle leaks can be fixed without digging. A simple adjustment may be all it takes. Try these steps first.

What you’ll need

Two 7/16-inch wrenches for handle nuts · Two 9/16-inch wrenches for adjusting nuts

How to fix it

  1. Remove the handle

    Yard hydrant nozzle leak troubleshooting, step 1: Remove the handle

    Remove the handle bolt, then take off the handle. Set the handle, bolt, and draw straps aside.

  2. Find the adjusting nuts

    Yard hydrant nozzle leak troubleshooting, step 2: Find the adjusting nuts

    Locate the two adjusting nuts above and below the pivot connector.

  3. Make a ¼-turn adjustment

    Yard hydrant nozzle leak troubleshooting, step 3: Make a ¼-turn adjustment

    Turn the top adjusting nut counterclockwise ¼ turn. Push the pivot connector up until it touches the top nut. Turn the bottom nut counterclockwise until it holds the pivot connector in place.

  4. Put the handle back on

    Yard hydrant nozzle leak troubleshooting, step 4: Put the handle back on

    Reattach the handle, bolt, and draw straps. Make sure everything is properly secured.

  5. Test your hydrant

    Yard hydrant nozzle leak troubleshooting, step 5: Test your hydrant

    Turn the hydrant on, then shut it off. Let normal drainage finish. Check if water continues leaking from the nozzle.

Still leaking?

Repeat with another small ¼-turn adjustment. After about three adjustments, the plunger may be worn or damaged and need replacement.

Need help?

Contact Merrill for troubleshooting help or replacement plungers. Call 800-831-6962.