5 Best Yard Hydrants of 2024 | Reviews + Guide

A yard hydrant will make getting access to water on your property not just possible but very easy. This is a piece of plumbing hardware that is often overlooked by homeowners but it can come in quite handy in a lot of situations. For instance, using the best yard hydrant can make it really easy for you to irrigate your garden, wash equipment, or even provide the livestock with water (if that applies to you). 

When you have the best yard hydrant properly installed in your home, you can use it at all times of the year whether it is burning hot or freezing cold. Of course, before you correctly install the best yard hydrant in your home, you need to find it, and finding it is easier said than done. This is the reason why you will find this guide incredibly helpful. 

We have gone through the effort of testing out several different yard hydrants and we have selected the best of the best to tell you about. Now yard hydrants are not all made the same and they all have their own unique qualities that set them apart. This is the reason why we are going to discuss three different yard hydrants which we found to be the best among the lot we tested out. 

Listed below are the 5 best yard hydrants from our list:

• Woodford Yard Hydrant Y34-7: This frost-free hydrant excels in durability and ease of use, featuring a variable flow plunger and freeze-proof functionality, making it superior for unimpeded access to water in various conditions.
• Simmons Manufacturing 803SB: As an excellent choice for extreme cold scenarios, this frost-proof yard hydrant offers resilience, straightforward installation, and operates effectively, though it lacks an adjustable shutoff valve, unlike the Woodford model.
• RYDAP Frost-Free Yard Hydrant: Despite its budget-friendly price, this hydrant stands out with its deep bury depth, frost-proof properties, and the convenience of an adjustable self-draining shutoff valve, demonstrating that it offers great value without compromising on quality.
• Simmons 802SB: This hydrant provides secure, dependable water access with robustness stemming from its rust-resistant stainless-steel extension rod and cast iron head, its strongest feature being the tamper-proof lock ensuring the secure use of the water source.
• Simmons Manufacturing 4802LF: Providing ease of water access, this hydrant stands out for its frost-free design and lead-free composition, although it does not offer an adjustable shutoff valve for flow control making it slightly less versatile compared to the others.

Here is the list of the 5 best yard hydrants that you can use to conveniently provide outdoor access to your water supply.

1. Woodford Yard Hydrant Y34-7 - Best Frost-Free Hydrant

The editor’s choice and the best frost-free yard hydrant out there in the market right now has to be the Woodford Yard Hydrant. It was quite a few decades ago that the first-yard hydrant was created and the company that made it has produced one of the best yard hydrants right now, based on our first-hand experience, this is the best yard hydrant you can buy right now. 

Woodford has a reputation for making some of the best in the industry since it is the first manufacturer of the hardware in the country and it is still going strong. While each of the products they have brought out has been impressive, the Woodford Yard Hydrant Y34-7 is a particular model that we feel is the perfect one when it comes to the design and the overall ease of use that it gives. 

Design and Materials

The Woodford Y34 is a product proudly designed and manufactured entirely in the United States. There is no cutting corners through shifting aspects of the production to other countries to reduce labor costs. This is a one hundred percent American-made yard hydrant and it features a solid cast iron head and handles. There are other parts of the hydrant made using high-grade metal which includes a steel operating rod and the valve body which is made using brass. All of this means that you will not get headaches from time to time in order to replace any cheap plastic parts that wear out way too fast. This thing is built well and it will last you a very long time. 

The Y34 also features various features in its overall design which other manufacturers often do not pay heed to. One of these is the long-life graphite packing used by Woodford. One quality about it that really makes the Woodford Y34 Yard Hydrant stand out as the best yard hydrant in 2022 for us is the fact that it features a variable flow plunger. This feature will essentially give you complete control over the rate of flow from the hydrant depending on what you need to use it for – a pretty useful feature. 

Another very important quality about the Woodford Y34 is the fact that it is freeze-proof. You can rely on this piece of plumbing hardware to keep on providing you water even in sub-zero temperatures and that is not something a lot of others have to offer. 

Overall

This is a well throughout and tough yard hydrant. It can operate properly in any condition and it is rugged enough to last a very long time. These are the qualities expected of it but there is more to it. The Woodford Hydrant is very easy to install and it is even easier to use for a wide range of applications from irrigation to landscaping or any other application due to the adjustable shutoff valve, after a winter season with this yard hydrant, our team can confirm it never froze and it worked seamlessly after conducting various experiments like trying it out with different horses, pumping at different elevations and different lengths.

2. Simmons Manufacturing 803SB - Best Yard Hydrant for Freezing Conditions

Simmons Manufacturing is a reputable name when it comes to household plumbing hardware. They cater to a wide range of needs for the American home and all of their solutions come through high-quality products. From foot and check valves to good caps and even torque arrestors, this company knows how to make a lot of fantastic hardware, and all of them are extremely well made. 

Among their excellent line of products is the Simmons 803SB. After putting to the test throughout winter we considered this one to be our top pick as the best yard hydrant when it comes to the most extreme conditions. This is a premium quality product and the performance reflected that when we tested it out. The 803SB is frostproof and almost as good as the Woodford model that we discussed. 

Design and Materials

The 803SB has a pretty straightforward design as far as yard hydrants go. The hydrant itself is four feet in length and when it is installed properly, the fire hydrant goes 3 feet below the frost line underground. The hose connection, the part that you will be able to see even after it is installed above the ground will also extend 3 feet. 

Quality is a very big deal for Simmons Manufacturing and they make sure they use only the best for all their products. The 803SB is made using heavy-duty cast iron which can handle the rough use yard hydrants can see on a day-to-day basis. 

There is a capable ¾ inch NPT female featured on the Simmons yard hydrant which makes it one of the entries as the best yard hydrant in 2024 but the issue is that it does not feature an adjustable shutoff valve like the Woodford model. You can either turn on the water flow or turn it off. There is nothing you can do besides that. If you want to make it adjustable, you can always add an in-line valve to the hose which you have to purchase separately. 

The fact that you can bury it 3 feet below the ground allows the 803SB to be capable of providing a steady flow of water even in freezing conditions. 

Overall

There is just so much to like about the Simmons 803SB. This is a premium quality frost-proof yard hydrant that is durable, reliable, and can operate even in the most extreme cold. If you live somewhere near the North Pole and you need a reliable source of water on your property, you can count on the 803SB to give you access to the water you need. 

3. RYDAP Frost-Free Yard Hydrant- Best Budget-Friendly Yard Hydrant

Frostproof, budget-friendly, and something that provides amazing value for the money, the Frost-Free Yard Hydrant by RYDAP is every bit as good as you can expect it to be and that is the reason why it is on this guide for the best yard hydrants, our investigations demonstrated that.

When you look at the price tag, you might just feel like this is way too cheaply priced to be of any real use over the long term but you would be surprised. This 5-foot-long frost-proof yard hydrant is every bit as good as one of the best hydrants your money can buy even if you are spending drastically lower money on it.

Design and Materials

The Frost-Free is a very affordable yard hydrant. You might assume that they have used very cheap plastics to create this one so cheap. On the contrary, Frost-Free has invested in some very capable, heavy-duty, and lead-free cast iron along with a brass rod and hose connector along with a double o ring seal which makes sure there is a good seal on this yard hydrant no matter how many times it is used. 

The cast iron head is not all there is to it. The bucket hook and the handle are purposely designed to be larger than they should be so that the yard hydrant becomes ergonomically more suitable and easier for you to use. The standpipe on the Frost-Free Yard Hydrant is made using an inch-thick galvanized steel. You can rest assured that it will keep on standing for a very long time. 

The plunger system on this is pretty reliable. It is a self-draining system that you can adjust with the turn of a screw without too much effort. For a yard hydrant in this price range, this is more than just a convenience – it’s a blessing. 

The Frost-Free gets even better and this is one of the qualities that really cements its place among the best yard hydrants your money can buy despite the cheap price: it is frostproof. The buried depth of the yard hydrant is six feet and the self-draining shut-off valve is also located below the frost line once you set it up. You can expect this hardware to provide running water for irrigation no matter how cold it gets outside. 

Overall

The 6-foot long Frost-Free Yard Hydrant is one of the best in the market based on our firsthand experience. Despite the fact that this yard hydrant belongs to a completely different price range from the other two products that we have discussed in this guide, this is still quite an impressive bit of hardware that we would recommend after trying this hydrant out. It does not offer the same convenience as the others in some respects but if you are someone on a budget and you are looking for a superior quality yard hydrant in your home, the Frost-Free is that reliable piece of equipment you need to get the job done. 

4. Simmons 802SB 

Introducing the Simmons 802SB, a top-quality and long-lasting yard hydrant that provides secure and dependable access to water on your property. Equipped with a cast iron head and rust-resistant stainless steel extension rod, this hydrant offers robust performance and a host of advantages for users.

Design and Materials

One of the key strengths of the Simmons 802SB hydrant is its durability, thanks to the stainless-steel extension rod and cast iron head material that ensures a long-lasting and rustproof solution for water access.

Additionally, the tamper-proof lock enhances security by allowing the user to secure the hydrant with either a padlock or by bolting through a hole in the link. This keeps the water source safe from unauthorized use.

In terms of convenience, the pistol-type handle affords a smooth grip and prevents hand-pinching, while the automatic drain-off feature guarantees a clean water supply even when particles are present in the waterline.

Not to mention, the hydrant is designed for optimal performance due to its automatic shut-off functionality and integral components like the cushion-type large seal and one-piece variable flow plunger.

Overall

The Simmons 802SB is a reliable and durable choice for individuals looking for an efficient and secure yard hydrant. Its impressive design and user-friendly features make it a valuable investment for convenient water access on your property, despite the potential concerns related to the hosepipe's susceptibility to rust and the plunger's durability. With careful handling and maintenance, this hydrant can offer long-lasting performance and meet your water access needs.

5. Simmons Manufacturing 4802LF

The Simmons Manufacturing 4802LF is an efficient plumbing hardware solution that facilitates effortless water access for various purposes such as lawn and garden irrigation, supplying water to livestock, and cleaning equipment. Its lead-free composition and frost-proof design offer durability and long-lasting performance, even under extreme temperatures.

Design and Materials

We were impressed by its frost-free design, which allows the hydrant to operate efficiently in low temperatures without freezing up. The hydrant features an ¾ inch NPT female inlet that makes connecting it to water sources a breeze. Its handle provides ease of carrying and operation, making water access quick and convenient.

The hydrant is constructed from cast iron and coated with a protective blue polyester powder, ensuring long-lasting durability. Furthermore, the 2-foot size of the hydrant makes it portable and easily accessible.

Overall

The Simmons Manufacturing 4802LF Premium Frost Proof Yard Hydrant is an excellent choice for those seeking a portable and easy-to-install hydrant. Its versatility and frost-proof design make it suitable for a range of applications, including fire-related purposes. However, the lack of an adjustable shutoff valve for flow control might be a drawback for some users. Despite this, its durability and ease of use make it a viable option for many scenarios.

Buying Guide for the Best Frost-Proof Yard Hydrant

While all of the information about the 5 best yard hydrants should drastically narrow down the options you need to consider, there is still more to it if you want to make a wise decision to fulfill your needs keeping in mind your requirements.

Let’s take a look at a little information that will provide you additional help when it comes to making a decision about the best yard hydrant you can invest your money in to make the most of it.

What Exactly is a Yard Hydrant?

A yard hydrant is essentially the most convenient access point for you to be able to use the water fresh from an underground source on your property like the well. It allows you access to fresh underground water from anywhere.

A yard hydrant is a specialized bit of plumbing hardware that connects to that buried underground water supply and allows you to use it virtually any time you need it. Most of the hydrants like this have shutoff valves and handles made using cast iron which is above the ground so that it is easier for you to turn the water supply on and off easily.

What Do People Use Yard Hydrants For?

Most of the time, property owners utilize yard hydrants for a variety of applications which can include landscaping, watering gardens, or irrigating their lands. They can even use it to ash equipment, cars, and trucks. You can install a yard hydrant in order to access the water underground in several locations on the property and use it throughout the year as a steady supply of water for irrigation purposes along with many more uses.

Here is How a Yard Hydrant Works

In order to make the most of the best yard hydrant, you should understand how it works. While each of the yard hydrants is different in a lot of ways, they share the same basic method of operation. The concept is pretty straightforward actually.

There is a galvanized steel pipe that is connected to an underground source of water and it has a shutoff valve on it. There is a drain hole, a cast iron head, and a handle. When you connect to the underground source of water, you can get easy access to the water underground for a variety of applications.

Keeping this concept in mind, there are two ways in which a yard hydrant works: Open and Closed.

When the hydrant is open, it allows the water to flow. When the handle lifts, the plunger goes up and this seals the drain hole which directs the water upwards and out the pipe above ground.

When the hydrant is closed, the handle is pushed down which closes the plunger. As the plunger closes the drain hole opens up again and the water from the head drains to completely empty the head and keep it from cracking due to freezing water.

What is a Shutoff Valve?

Also known as the stop and drain valve, this is an important part of a yard hydrant. This component is placed below the frost level underground and it is operated using a handle that is attached to the control rod above ground.

As the handle and rod lift, the valve opens which allows water to flow from the main pipe and up the riser pipe which eventually leads it out the hydrant head. As the shutoff valve is closed, the water flow is halted, the drain hole opens and the water drains from the riser pipe and into the ground below so that it doesn’t freeze within the head.

Yard Hydrant Installation Tips

Through our trial and error with other supposedly frost-free hydrants, that actually froze during winter, we learned a few important things that you should remember when you’re installing the yard hydrant so that you can make the most of it.

1. Gravel Aplenty

You should use a lot of gravel during installation because it is necessary for adequate drainage that prevents water from freezing and damaging the equipment, this will also ensure easier access for maintenance if need be.

2. One-Inch Water Supply Pipe

Using an inch-thick supply pipe for the water allows for a reasonable supply of water.

3. Adjust As Needed

While installing any plumbing equipment, make sure that you have made the necessary adjustments to the area to accommodate the hardware. Make sure there is a proper water flow in the area.

Testing for Proper Drainage

When you install the yard hydrant you also need to make sure it is performing well and these are the steps you need to take to test the proper drainage.

1. Open the shutoff valve and allow the water to run.
2. Close the valve and hold the hand on the head of the spout.

If you feel there is suction, the drainage is happening properly.

Where to Install the Hydrant

One thing you should make sure of is that you should never install the hydrant too close to the well because the drainage might contaminate the water. Other than that, you can install it anywhere on the property as long as there is no restricted water supply in the area.

Tips on Using it in Different Seasons

Yard hydrants are pretty straightforward to use. That being said, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to make the most of them.

If you are using it a lot during the hot summer months, it is better to use a hose bib or something like a globe valve. What this does is it allows you to leave the valve open during the hot months and you can leave the gravel completely dry when you need to close it during the winter months to keep it from freezing.

On the other hand, if you are using it a lot in the colder months, it is better to draw off around 20 to 25 gallons of water. This melts the ice which will build up in the pipe naturally due to the conditions.

Unfreezing the Yard Hydrant

No matter how good the best yard hydrant is, there is always the chance that the hydrant can freeze up. Faulty valve adjustments plugged mains or even improper use can do that.

If it ever freezes, you need to take action as soon as possible by thawing it so that it does not get damaged. If the above-ground area is frozen, a torch electric heat tape, or simply hot water can be used. Underground freezing can be dealt with by removing the head and pouring hot water down through the riser pipe.

How deep should a yard hydrant be buried?

A yard hydrant should be buried deep enough to reach below the frost line, which varies depending on your geographical location. Your local building codes and extension office can provide information regarding your area’s specific requirements.

Can I attach a hose to a yard hydrant?

Yes, yard hydrants usually come with a hose bib or threaded nozzle attachment, allowing you to easily connect a standard garden hose for everyday tasks.

How do I maintain my yard hydrant?

Regular yard hydrant maintenance includes checking for leaks, ensuring proper drainage, and lubricating the operating parts as needed. You should also inspect your hydrant for any corrosion, damage, or worn-out parts that need replacement. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific maintenance practices.