Caution when connecting to freeze proof water hydrants

[Rabbit]

Call this a public service post. Be aware that the style of water hydrant with the lever handle you pull up to turn on are designed such that when shut off, the water inside the riser pipe drains down below the frost line so that the hydrant doesn’t freeze. There are basically two types. One that simply allows the water to drain into the ground, but can allow contaminated ground water to enter back through the same drain and be discharged the next time the hydrant is turned on. Campgrounds are supposed to use a second type that has extra features to prevent ground water from entering so the discharged water is always clean. Trouble is, not all campgrounds install the required type, which of course is more expensive.

Always turn on the water and let it flush BEFORE connecting your regulator, hose or filter! If you shut off the water when away from your rig, before turning on the water again, remove your connection and flush it again then reconnect. This is the only way to be sure the water is clean. Not all in-line filters are capable of removing the ground water dirt and contaminates.

[Soundsailor]

Thanks for this PSA!

[AZMike]

Call this a public service post. Be aware that the style of water hydrant with the lever handle you pull up to turn on are designed such that when shut off, the water inside the riser pipe drains down below the frost line so that the hydrant doesn’t freeze. There are basically two types. One that simply allows the water to drain into the ground, but can allow contaminated ground water to enter back through the same drain and be discharged the next time the hydrant is turned on. Campgrounds are supposed to use a second type that has extra features to prevent ground water from entering so the discharged water is always clean. Trouble is, not all campgrounds install the required type, which of course is more expensive.

Always turn on the water and let it flush BEFORE connecting your regulator, hose or filter! If you shut off the water when away from your rig, before turning on the water again, remove your connection and flush it again then reconnect. This is the only way to be sure the water is clean. Not all in-line filters are capable of removing the ground water dirt and contaminates.

As I was already aware of this, I always use a garden hose "Y" connector on the faucet that allows me to turn off each hose individually. Whenever we leave the trailer for the day, we turn off the water at the "Y"...that way we never have to turn off the faucet during our stay.

[Butcher]

I do this all the time no matter what type I hook up to. You never know what may be inside your water hose.

[traveldawg]

I do this all the time no matter what type I hook up to. You never know what may be inside your water hose.

what he ^^ said....

We ALWAYS run the water throughs the hose for at least a minute before hooking to the camper. And lots of time I'll cup my hand to check it for smell and taste. We've been places that we've had to run the water for a few minutes to get it running clear, clean and fresh.