The Best Frost-free Hydrant of 2022 Reviewed

Springtime is the perfect season to get most of your landscape tasks done.

However, winter days can be pretty cruel to the state of your plants, livestock, and overall yard maintenance.

Like all living creatures, water is the most essential for our well-being.

But what should you do when the temperatures go low, and you don’t have easy water access in your yard?

You’re not going to run to the house back and forth only to fill a few gallons to water the plants, would you?

For this reason, a quality yard hydrant is necessary! Getting one that endures sub-zero temperatures is even better but trickier to find!

Luckily, I took the time of the day and separated the top 8 choices I think you will like.

This is the best frost-free hydrant you need for harsh weather.

The Best Frost-free Hydrants: My Top 8 List

$$ – Woodford Y34-4 Y34-4 Yard Hydrant Freezeless

Constant water supply even during a harsh winter, includes a cast iron head material and a 1-inch thick galvanized steel pipe. The shut-off valve is made from durable materials, so the entire service of the hydrant is long-lasting.

However, the paint wears off quickly.

$$ – Simmons Manufacturing 4802LF Lead Free

Easy to install and has a two-foot extendable body made from solid cast iron that will last for a long time; it is very affordable.

However, it does not have an automatic shutoff valve.

$$ – RYDAP Store Frost-Free Yard Hydrant Freezeless

Made from rust and corrosion-resistant materials that fight off the water, damage sun rays, and harsh winters. It’s easy to install and use.

However, it’s often prone to leaks.

$$ – Everbilt 4 ft. Bury Depth Frost-Proof Yard Hydrant

If you want the best price and quality deal, this is the best frost-proof hydrant! It’s made from steel and includes an anti-leak system that is reliable both in summer and winter.

$$ – PROFLO 1″ Frostproof Yard Hydrant

The best hydrant for larger and public properties due to the padlock option. It keeps the hydrant safe and discrete.

However, it’s prone to leaking.

$ – Prier P-164D08 Quarter-Turn Frost Free

Thanks to the backflow preventers, this hydrant delivers constant water flow even during cold days. It’s a nickel plate for long-lasting use.

However, you will need to use a hosepipe.

$ – WATER SOURCE YH-2 2′ Yard Hydrant

Contains less than 0.25% of lead and is certified by IAPMO R&T Labs. It’s easy to install and delivers a lead-free water flow.

$ – Merrill MFG CNL7502 No Lead Frost Proof

One of the best simple designs with improved functionality and ease of use, a lead-free design that is especially beneficial for livestock.

It can waste water at times.

#1. Woodford Y34-4 Y34-4 Yard Hydrant Freezeless – Best Pick

• Brand: Woodford
• Material: Alloy Steel
• Dimensions: 86.8 x 10.3 x 2.8 inches
• Finish Type: Not specified

The American market takes great pride when the name Woodford comes up!

The brand originates from the USA, and most of its products are manufactured there.

The Woodford brand is highly respectable and known for its household plumbing hardware worldwide!

This Woodford yard hydrant is among the best choices currently!

It’s made from a high-grade metal body, while the shutoff valve body is made from brass and steel. This kind of construction enables prolonged use!

All materials are rust-resistant, so you don’t have to change the frost-proof yard hydrant anytime soon.

As for the dimensions, the hydrant length measures out to 75.5 inches, while the pipe connection is 3/4″ with an adjustable linkage on the lever lock tension.

Since this is an instant-running yard hydrant, you can always rely on a water flow, even during the harshest winter.

Additionally, there is also a rod guide with multiple service benefits! For instance, the rod will prevent a side pull and reduce any tears that may occur.

The Woodford yard hydrant also includes a variable flow plunger seal that shuts off the hydrant if any debris or particles are found.

Lastly, the frost-proof yard hydrant has a beneficial automatic drain system that prevents frosting under below-zero temperatures.

#2. Simmons Manufacturing 4802LF Lead-Free – Runner Up

• Brand: Simmons
• Material: cast iron
• Dimensions: 10 x 2.5 x 55 inches
• Finish Type: Blue polyester powder coating

Let’s take a look at this blue beauty! If you need a reliable and absolute best lead-free frost-proof yard hydrant, you have found one!

This is the best yard hydrant for livestock and yard maintenance due to its lead-free construction, which makes it safe and long-lasting.

Like Woodford, the Simmons yard hydrant is quite well-known in the plumbing hardware industry.

It comes from a reliable plumbing brand that guarantees high-quality construction and use.

The Simmons yard hydrant looks like any other yard hydrant, right? A man should think there is nothing special about this one, but he would be wrong!

This hydrant has a simple design but with a few twists.

First, the grants of the hydrant measure out in four feet, so when the unit is installed, the body goes about two feet below the frost line. But that’s not all!

The part that goes above the ground is also adjustable in length to even extend it to two more feet!

Plus, the hydrant is made from heavy-duty cast iron, and it also includes a 3/4″ NPT female inlet.

If I have to select, one disadvantage of this yard hydrant is that it does not include an automatic shut-off valve-like our best pick.

This means you would manually turn on and off the water flow, which cannot be adjusted.

#3. RYDAP Store Frost-Free Yard Hydrant Freezeless – Budget-Friendly Yard Hydrant

• Brand: RYDAP
• Material: cast iron
• Dimensions: 65.5 x 10.5 x 2.8 inches
• Finish Type: Green polyester powder coated finish

Continuing with the list, we have a frost-free hydrant by the RYDAP store. It’s made from high-quality materials and holds an affordable price for all buyers! Let’s check it out.

For starters, the cast iron head and the handle are made from one-time molding. As a result, they are durable, smooth, and easy to operate!

In addition, the handle is not slippery, so even if you use it with gloves or bare hands, you can easily control the hydrant head.

Furthermore, the hose connection adapter is also made from durable materials such as a copper body and stainless steel.

The stainless steel extension rod is rust and corrosion resistant, so it can last for a long time before it needs replacing.

Not only that but the entire hydrant head is covered in the green polyester powder-coated finish that blends into the natural yard environment and does not rust in sun exposure.

Of course, we have to mention the freeze-free quality! The budget-friendly yard hydrant is resistant to harsh weather!

No matter if you are using it in early winter or sub-zero temperatures, there will be no frozen pipes that come in your way.

The water supply is constant and never compromised during winter.

#4. Everbilt 4 ft. Bury Depth Frost-Proof Yard Hydrant-Best Quality & Cost-Effective Yard Hydrant

• Brand: Everbuilt
• Material: Cast iron
• Dimensions: not specified
• Finish Type: Powder coated finish

Many may look at this frost-proof hydrant and its price and think it must be cheaply built. If you thought the same, I tell you that you could not be more wrong!

The Everbuilt is one of the most popular frost-free yard hydrants there is!

The reason behind such a low price is that most customers can have the chance to try it out.

Besides, there is no point in investing in a pricey hydrant if it’s going to need replacement after a year. Luckily, that’s not the case with Everbuilt.

The frost-free hydrant measures 6 feet, and it’s built from heavy-duty cast iron and includes a brass rod and a steel connector.

As you can notice, the hydrant handle is a bit bigger than on most models. However, this can benefit you as bigger handles are easier to work with.

The stand pipe is 1 inch thick so that it will endure the test of time!

Also, the hose connector includes a double o ring seal that prevents leaks. Plus, the length of the hydrant is excellent!

The 6 feet ensure a good bury depth when you install the hydrant, so the drain valve is positioned right above the frost line.

#5. PROFLO 1″ Frostproof Yard Hydrant – Best For Large Public Properties

• Brand: Proflo
• Material: Brass
• Dimensions: 8.3 x 51 x 3 inches
• Finish Type: rust-resistant finish

It’s often hard to find a yard hydrant that is user-friendly.

So many of them are high in quality but not so easy to operate with or even install. Luckily, the market has been blessed with this Proflo frost-proof yard hydrant!

You can find loads of bathroom, kitchen, and other plumbing hardware and supplies in the brand’s offer!

The price is average, but the quality is high! What more could you ask for?

This Proflo yard hydrant is two feet long.

It’s constructed from durable materials such as brass that defeats even the harshest weather conditions. The sturdiness is probably one of the best features of this hydrant!

It’s easily installed, so you can rest sure it will stay put.

Also, the hydrant comes with a flow finder and lock. It offers a steady flow thanks to the lever that controls the amount of water supply.

Furthermore, the frost-proof hydrant includes a padlock, which can always be locked on your demand.

During drainage, the hydrant drains all of the water under the frost line so that it will prevent the pipes from completely freezing.

It comes with a solid brass adapter that can endure all sorts of weather conditions. Also, it’s rust and corrosion-resistant!

#6. Prier P-164D08 Quarter-Turn Frost Free – Best Wall Hydrant

• Brand: Prier
• Material: Brass
• Dimensions: 8 x 3 x 0.5 inches
• Finish Type: Nickel-plated

Next up, we have prepared something quite special! This yard hydrant belongs to the Prier brand, and it’s wall-mounted!

As you can notice, it’s pretty different from its competitors, but this kind of design has its advantages you need to know about.

For starters, it’s easier to install it when it’s wall-mounted!

Other yard hydrants installed in the standard way may develop a risk of freezing, especially if they are buried above the freeze line.

However, this one does not threaten such a risk.

The length of the Prier faucet measures 8 inches, while the inlet is 1/2″ MPT by 1/2″ SWT. Along with this, the hydrant comes with a 5-inch hose attachment.

Moreover, the double bypass valve body offers complete access to the water flow. It even has a backflow preventer protecting the main water supply from frost.

As for the overall construction of the wall-mounted hydrant, I have to say I was pretty impressed.

It’s nickel-plated which delivers longevity. However, don’t expect any miracles.

On the other hand, it features a soft-grip handle that’s easy to use and maneuver. However, since the tap is not included, you will have to use a hosepipe.

#7. WATER SOURCE YH-2 2′ Yard Hydrant – Best Lead-Free Yard Hydrant

• Brand: Water Source
• Material: Steel
• Dimensions: ‎52.5 x 9.5 x 2.5 inches
• Finish Type: Not specified

The Water Source yard hydrant is the next pick on our list.

Just like all of the frost-free yard hydrants we have picked out, this one is made from heavy-duty materials that are corrosion and rust-resistant!

They are no friend of harsh weather as it efficiently protects the hydrant from freezing under below zero temperatures.

The overall length of the yard hydrant measures 27 inches. So it’s good to know that it also comes with an anti-leak seal.

A significant problem among many yard hydrants is that a lot of them leak from time to time. However, having an anti-leak seal will always be beneficial to the design.

Additionally, there is a ¾ FPT bottom connection and a brass rod that offers a smooth connection.

We talk about this in our FAQ section below, but yield hydrants that are lead-free are the safest ones for livestock.

This yard hydrant has been carefully tested and certified by the IAPMO R&T Labs. This yard hydrant’s calculated amount of lead equals less than 0.25 %.

Lastly, the installation is quite effortless! It’s easy to maneuver and assemble the yard hydrant.

Even the attach point is easy to work with and ensures any PVC pipe will easily fit there.

#8. Merrill MFG CNL7502 No Lead Frost Proof – Best Simple And Effective Design

• Brand: Merril
• Material: metal
• Dimensions: 56.5 x 8.2 x 2.5 inches
• Finish Type: Brass

Lastly, we have the Merrill no-lead frost-proof yard hydrant.

This is another spectacular lead-free option if you wish to have a safe water supply for your livestock.

This one includes a 1″ galvanized pipe and a 1″ connector pipe.

If you wonder about the pipe, it measures out to 56.5″ inches while only 2 inches go under the ground.

Just like the majority of yard hydrants, this model is quite versatile! It can be used for lawn irrigation, water for car washes, and water for livestock.

Construction-wise, the Merrill hydrant is fantastic! It’s designed from heavy-duty cast iron, while the handle is easy to use.

Unfortunately, it also consists of a double bypass valve and a piece of the plunger.

Luckily, all of these parts are replaceable and easy to find, so if your hydrant ever breaks down, it’s good to know you can quickly fix it.

Now, let’s talk drainage.

The valve is located at the bottom, and it comes with a tiny drain hole that makes the process so much easier!

For the bury depth, it goes as far as a 3 feet pipe so it can be installed in these measurements.

A nifty feature I found in the rod is its marking point that indicates to which length it can be buried.

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Buyer’s Guide

1. Built Quality

Before you purchase the frost-free hydrant, you need to consider some of the most basic features.

For starters, the built quality of a yard-hydrant!

We already mentioned in our FAQ section that it’s not that simple to determine a life service of a frost-free yard hydrant.

However, picking only the best materials can surely indicate a long-lasting use!

Different materials will have additional benefits.

For instance, a frost-free hydrant that is made lead-free is beneficial for livestock maintenance. It’s also eco-friendly so that it won’t compromise the water quality.

On the other hand, plastic yard hydrants are cheaper, but they are nowhere near as long-lasting as lead-free ones.

Lastly, all other components, such as the valve body, the rod, hose connector, and hose, should all be made from corrosion-resistant and rust-resistant materials so they do not change quality when in contact with water.

2. Bury Depth

Another important feature you should check when buying a yard hydrant is. You can do this by checking the nearest water source in your yard.

Based on its bury depth, you can choose the yard hydrant.

If you choose one that is too short or too long, you cannot install it. Therefore, check before investing!

With some yard hydrants, you can get a customizable depth, but if you don’t want to pay more bucks, this is something you don’t need to invest in.

3. Flow Adjustments

Nowadays, many yard hydrants come with a flow finder that allows you to have a customizable water flow.

This is an outstanding feature as it means you won’t spend so much unnecessary water, only on how much you need!

The flow finder and lock are easily adjusted so you can irrigate your lawn or wash the car and save water along the way.

Of course, this feature is not available on all yard hydrants, especially on the cheaper ones.

4. Drain Out

Draining out the leftover water in the yard hydrant is a must if you live in climates where the weather drops below zero!

Additionally, you can get a yard hydrant with an automatic drain-out function.

The automatic function works along with the frost resistance of the hydrant. Therefore, when installing a yard hydrant, ensure you get a hydrant with frost resistance.

This is crucial if you are living in colder climates.

The way that the automatic function works is via a drain hole. The drain hole of the hydrant opens, and it lets out all of the leftover water.

The main benefit of the automatic function is that the drainage works even if the valve is turned off.

Additionally, the pipe inlet helps draw the water from the source.

Here, you should check the size of the pipe inlet. If it’s smaller in size, it will draw less water.

5. Shut Off Valves

Having shut-off valves in your yard hydrant will help you with future repairs or leaks.

With frost-proof hydrants, a valve should be installed underneath the frost line.

It will allow you to stop the water supply once you need to repair the hydrant or unfreeze it.

Usually, all hydrants have this function now as it helps with better drainage and prevents freezing.

Yard Hydrant Installation Tips

Firstly, you want to make sure you are using enough gravel. It will assist with proper drainage, so you must use one cubic yard of gravel as a drain bed.

Place it around the shut-off valve, and you should be good to go!

Additionally, make sure there is unrestricted water flow and no leaks! Well-performed drainage will be your best friend, especially in the winter months.

As for the water supply pipe, make sure it measures one inch in diameter so it can adequately deliver water.

FAQ’s

Are frost-free spigots worth it?

Yes! Frost-free spigots are worth every penny, especially if you live in cold climates where the temperature often drops below zero.

A frost-free hydrant makes sure the faucet does not leak, no pipes burst under low temperatures, and you always have water access during winter.

How does a yard hydrant work?

Yard hydrants work in two ways.

Once they are open, they allow water delivery until you shut off the handle. This action will lift the plunger and completely seal the drain hole.

A second way the yard hydrant operation works is when the handle is pushed down.

The drain hole is then opened to drain the water, and it will initially prevent the freezing of the hydrant riser pipe.

Can you use a frost-free hydrant in the winter?

Yes, you can use frost-free hydrants in the winter, but with a precaution. For instance, the frost-proof hydrant needs to be fully drained when closed.

By placing a bucket over the hydrant, you can ensure proper drainage that creates an air pocket.

If the hydrant is not drained correctly, it can easily be damaged by the frost in the winter.

What size yard hydrant do I need?

The only feature you need to consider is the depth of the pipeline.

The pipeline should be the same depth as a yard hydrant, so by aligning those two; you can choose the perfectly sized frost-free hydrant for your yard.

How deep should a frost-free hydrant be?

A frost-free hydrant should be dug right below the frost line.

The depths, in most cases, measure out to 3-4 feet. However, before installing the fire hydrant yourself, make sure you do some background checks.

Look into the freezing temperatures in your location. Not all areas have the same frost depth.

How long does a yard hydrant last?

Unfortunately, yard hydrants do not last for a lifetime.

They have their due date, and once they have served their time, it’s time you replace the yard hydrant.

There is no definite way of determining a life service of a yard hydrant, but you can always install the Hydrant Assist Kit.

It’s a helpful tool that ensures your yard hydrant gives its full potential.

Generally, a hydrant assist kit removes direct contact of the soil with the vertical pipe.

How to deal with frozen yard hydrant?

If your yard hydrant freezes, don’t worry; not everything is lost at this point! There are a few methods you can do to unfreeze the hydrant.

You can use a torch electric heat tape or try pouring hot water for starters. It will help thaw the hydrant out.

If it’s frozen below the frost line level, you need to remove the hydrant head and pour hot water down the riser pipe.

What is the best yard hydrant?

If you want to have a calm winter this year and not worry about whether the yard hydrant will freeze again, we recommend this reliable option.

The Woodford Y34-4 Y34-4 Yard Hydrant Freezeless is the best yard hydrant of 2022, and it’s one of the most trustworthy choices by customers worldwide!

It’s made from heavy-duty materials that allow no rust or corrosion to come even near!

In addition, thanks to the drain-out function that works automatically, you can rest sure knowing your hydrant won’t freeze during wintertime!

Conclusion

As you can notice from the article, there are numerous yard hydrants on the market worth mentioning.

However, I have picked only 8 to review as they all differ in price and quality so that you can make a smart purchase.

Although they work similarly, some options are easier to work with than others.

I hope you have enjoyed our best frost-free hydrant reviews and chosen your reliable companion for the winter!