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About Merrill MFG: Installation & Troubleshooting

After completing the housing installation you are ready to use and enjoy
your new HIDE-DRANT.

Warning:
This hydrant must have the stand pipe removed and water drained out when freezing temperatures may be present. Warranty does not cover damage due to freezing temperatures or water frozen within the unit.

Make sure your water to the HIDE-DRANT supply line is turned on.

To prevent accidental water flow during stand pipe connection, turn off the ball valve/garden hose valve at the top end of the HIDE-DRANT stand pipe.

Clear any loose debris from the top of the HIDE-DRANT lower housing location and remove the cap covering the opening. Avoid letting any dirt, gravel, sticks, etc. fall down into the HIDE-DRANT housing.

Insert the straight end of the HIDE-DRANT stand pipe into the open end of the exposed housing. Continue to slide the stand pipe into the opening until you feel it touch the bottom. The stand pipe collar can now be pressed into the top of the lower housing and help stabilize the stand pipe.

Begin rotating the stand pipe clockwise, which will cause it to screw down onto the valve located in the lower housing. The stand pipe will self align and only requires approximately 3 turns to completely engage the lower housing valve. This will open the lower valve and allow water into the stand pipe.

Use light hand pressure only - do not over tighten - no tools!

Attach your garden hose to the water valve, open ball valve/garden hose valve to start water flow.

Make sure ball valve/garden hose valve is shut off and hose has been disconnected from stand pipe.

Rotate stand pipe counter-clockwise approximately 3 turns and pull up slightly until disconnection to valve in housing is felt. Some water from the stand pipe will drain out into the lower housing. This is normal and the small valve on the side of the housing will allow it to drain into the soil harmlessly. Turn support collar counter-clockwise and pull up from lower housing. Pull stand pipe upward to remove.

Replace top cap over opening in lower housing immediately, to prevent debris from dropping down into housing.

Point the open end of the stand pipe away from you and open the ball valve/garden hose valve. This will allow water to drain from the stand pipe.

Water must be properly drained from stand pipe and valve to avoid freeze damage to HIDE-DRANT while in storage. Always remove stand pipe before freeze conditions occur. Your HIDE-DRANT can be used during freezing conditions providing it is removed and drained properly upon completion of water delivery.

Little maintenance is required other than an occasional cleaning of the connector at the end of the stand pipe. Any debris that may accidentally fall into the lower housing must be removed immediately or damage to the HIDE-DRANT could result. Usually a vacuum will be sufficient. Silicone grease can be applied inside of the stand pipe lower end that is connected to the bottom valve.

Do not use a high pressure washer or compressed air to remove debris from the HIDE-DRANT. Damage and/or personal injury could result.

Stand Pipe Installed	Stand Pipe Removed

• You may want to consult state and local agencies for applicable ordinances, codes and required permits or inspections. Use state and local ordinances concerning location of frost line in your area and to determine proper depth for HIDE-DRANT installation. Do not install with the lower valve portion of this device above the frost line or otherwise exposed to freezing temperatures. Improper installation will void warranty.

• Excavate the location to the required depth as mandated by state and local codes and install a water supply line if one does not already exist. The water supply line should have a standard male connection provided for attaching the HIDE-DRANT. Excavate about 3" below the location to allow for proper water drainage. Compact 3" of coarse gravel under the location of the HIDE-DRANT. The completed installation must keep the top of the lower housing flush or slightly above the finished grade.

• Separate upper stand pipe assembly of HIDE-DRANT from the lower housing/valve assembly by unscrewing counter-clockwise. Set the stand pipe aside making sure to keep the lower end clean and free of dirt or debris. Place protective top cap into open end of the lower housing to prevent any debris from entering.

• Remove the thread protector plug from the standard female pipe thread connection on the lower end of the HIDE-DRANT housing and apply an approved thread sealant.

• Support the water supply line and carefully screw the HIDE-DRANT into the connection. Avoid unnecessary bending or side pressure on the water supply connection.
Tighten Carefully to Avoid Damage!

• After all connections are made, slowly turn on the water supply to source line and check for leaks at all connections. Correct any leaks now before continuing further.

• After all connections are complete and tested, have any required local or state
inspections performed before any backfilling is done.

• Manually backfill around the HIDE-DRANT housing base.
It is recommended to backfill with a minimum of one foot of coarse gravel, especially in heavy soil conditions. Manually compact the backfill material at housing base to stabilize the HIDE-DRANT and the source waterline. When compacting backfill, make sure to keep the top of the HIDE-DRANT housing above finish grade and plumb. Continue to manually backfill and compact the rest of the material needed to fill the hole.
Caution: Do not allow backfill material to close off or block the side vent in the lower housing located approximately 2" from the bottom.

• Continue backfilling to proper grade, but be sure HIDE-DRANT housing is slightly above the finish grade. Be sure to allow for the height of any landscaping material, grass or other plants.

Figure 1

Figure 2

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