Woodford X34 - User Manual

For more information contact…
WOODFORD MANUFACTURING COMPANY
2121 Waynoka Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80915 • Phone: (800) 621-6032 • Fax: (800) 765-4115
To view our complete product line visit: www.woodfordmfg.com
or email: sales@woodfordmfg.com
A Division of WCM Industries, Inc.
X34 Yard Hydrant
1. Water leaks from the nozzle when the hydrant is off.
• Check the closing force of the handle. If the handle does not
“snap” closed at the end of the closing stroke, see
Linkage
Adjustment instructions.
• If the hydrant leaks just after installation, the valve seat may be
fouled with debris, such as small rocks. The operating pipe
assembly will have to be removed and the hydrant casing
flushed. See
Operating Rod Assembly Removal instructions.
• To inspect and/or replace the plunger if it is worn or damaged,
see
Operating Rod Assembly Removal instructions.
2. Water leaks around the brass stem below the handle linkage when
the hydrant is on.
• The packing nut will occasionally need to be tightened to stop a
packing leak. Tighten the packing nut until snug and the leak
stops. Persistent leaks will require a new packing #10101. See
X34 Packing Replacement instructions.
3. Water leaks from below ground level when the hydrant is on.
• A small leak may be the result of a leak at the drain hole.
Replace the plunger if it is old and worn. See
Operating Rod
Assembly Removal
instructions.
• A large leak may be the result of a hole in the pipe casing
caused by electrolysis corrosion. Some soil conditions can cause
premature failure of the pipe casing near the valve body. Brass
pipe is recommended for these conditions. Contact the factory
for details.
4. Hydrant will not drain when shut off.
• Make sure there are no attachments on the nozzle, such as a
hose or vacuum breaker.
• Improper linkage adjustment (not enough tension) may prevent
the hydrant from draining properly. See
Linkage Adjustment
instructions
• A poor drain field around the valve body or a blocked drain hole
will prevent drainage. See
Yard Hydrant Installation Instructions.
Blue Head
Assembly
Handle “Snap”
Packing Nut
Pipe
Valve Body
Drain Hole
Rev 08/10 Form No.TMYH-3.103

Summary

X34 Yard Hydrant Troubleshooting

Water leaks from nozzle when hydrant is off

Troubleshooting leaks from the nozzle when the hydrant is off, including handle closing force and valve seat issues.

Leaks around brass stem when hydrant is on

Addresses leaks around the brass stem below the handle linkage while the hydrant is operational.

Leaks from below ground level when hydrant is on

Diagnoses leaks occurring below ground level when the hydrant is in use, noting drain hole and corrosion issues.

Hydrant will not drain when shut off

Troubleshoots issues preventing the hydrant from draining after being shut off, such as nozzle attachments or linkage.

X34 Yard Hydrant Linkage Adjustment

Increase Handle Tension

Instructions for increasing the handle tension by adjusting the set screw and pivot.

Decrease Handle Tension

Instructions for decreasing the handle tension by adjusting the set screw and pivot.

X34 Yard Hydrant Plunger Replacement

Plunger Replacement Steps

Detailed steps for inspecting and replacing the hydrant plunger due to debris or wear.

X34 Yard Hydrant Packing Replacement

Packing Replacement Steps

Procedure for replacing the hydrant packing if persistent leaks are detected after tightening the packing nut.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The Woodford X34 Yard Hydrant is a robust outdoor water fixture designed for reliable water access in various settings, including residential, agricultural, and commercial properties. It is engineered to provide year-round water service without freezing, thanks to its design that drains water from the standpipe below the frost line when shut off. This feature makes it particularly suitable for cold climates where traditional outdoor faucets are prone to freezing and bursting.

Function Description:

The primary function of the X34 Yard Hydrant is to deliver water on demand and to automatically drain the standpipe when the handle is closed, preventing freezing. When the handle is lifted, a plunger at the bottom of the standpipe opens, allowing water to flow. Simultaneously, the drain hole at the base of the hydrant closes, preventing water from escaping into the ground. When the handle is pushed down to close the hydrant, the plunger seats, stopping water flow, and the drain hole opens, allowing all water in the standpipe above the frost line to drain out. This self-draining mechanism is crucial for its freeze-proof operation. The hydrant is operated via a handle and linkage assembly, which controls the movement of an operating rod connected to the plunger.

Important Technical Specifications:

While specific technical specifications like flow rates, pressure ratings, or exact dimensions are not explicitly detailed in the provided manual excerpts, several components and their functions imply certain design considerations:

• Freeze-Proof Design: The core technical specification is its ability to operate without freezing. This is achieved by the plunger and drain hole mechanism located below the frost line.
• Material Composition: The manual mentions a "Brass Stem" and "Pipe Casing," indicating the use of durable, corrosion-resistant materials suitable for outdoor and underground applications. The recommendation of "Brass pipe" for certain soil conditions suggests an awareness of material compatibility and longevity.
• Plunger Mechanism: The "Plunger #10108" is a critical component, responsible for sealing water flow and opening/closing the drain. Its design is integral to the hydrant's freeze-proof function.
• Packing System: The "Packing #10101" and "Packing Washer #10102" are essential for preventing leaks around the brass stem where the operating rod passes through the head assembly. This system ensures a watertight seal during operation.
• Linkage Adjustment: The design includes an adjustable linkage system with a "Set Screw" that allows for precise control over the handle's closing force and tension, which directly impacts the plunger's seating and the hydrant's draining capability.

Usage Features:

The X34 Yard Hydrant is designed for straightforward operation and installation, with features that enhance user experience and reliability:

• Easy On/Off Operation: The handle provides a simple lever action to control water flow.
• Automatic Draining: Users do not need to manually drain the hydrant; the mechanism handles this automatically upon closing, simplifying winterization.
• "Snap" Closed Handle: The handle is designed to "snap" closed at the end of its stroke, providing tactile feedback that the hydrant is properly shut off and the draining mechanism is engaged. This feature helps prevent accidental partial closures that could lead to freezing or continuous leaks.
• Versatile Application: Suitable for various outdoor water needs, from gardening and livestock watering to general utility.

Maintenance Features:

The manual provides detailed instructions for common troubleshooting and maintenance tasks, highlighting the hydrant's repairability and long-term serviceability:

• Troubleshooting Guide: The manual outlines solutions for common issues such as water leaks from the nozzle, leaks around the brass stem, leaks from below ground, and failure to drain. This structured approach helps users diagnose problems efficiently.
• Linkage Adjustment: The "Linkage Adjustment" procedure allows users to fine-tune the handle tension and closing force. This is crucial for ensuring the plunger seats correctly and the hydrant drains properly. It involves loosening and resetting a set screw on the pivot to increase or decrease tension.
• Plunger Replacement: The "Plunger Replacement" instructions detail how to access and replace the plunger (#10108). This is a key maintenance task for addressing nozzle leaks or issues with draining, often caused by worn or damaged plungers or debris in the valve body. The process involves shutting off water, removing the head casting, extracting the operating rod, and replacing the plunger. It also emphasizes flushing the casing to remove debris.
• Packing Replacement: The "Packing Replacement" guide addresses leaks around the brass stem. It involves replacing the "Packing #10101" and potentially reusing the "Packing Washer #10102." This procedure requires disassembling the head and linkage, digging out the old packing, and installing new components, followed by careful reassembly and linkage adjustment.
• Component Accessibility: The design allows for the removal and replacement of key components like the plunger, packing, and operating rod, extending the life of the hydrant without needing to replace the entire unit.
• Clear Visual Aids: The inclusion of figures (Fig 1, Fig 2, Fig 3, Fig 4) for each maintenance procedure significantly aids in understanding the steps and identifying the correct parts.
• Contact Information: The manual provides contact details for Woodford Manufacturing Company, including phone, fax, website, and email, ensuring users can obtain support, parts, or further information. This commitment to customer service enhances the product's maintainability.
• Preventative Measures: Recommendations like applying silicone grease to the plunger during reinsertion and avoiding petroleum-based greases highlight best practices for extending component life and ensuring proper function. The advice to ensure no attachments are on the nozzle when draining also serves as a preventative measure against drainage issues.

Woodford X34 Specifications

General

Brand	Woodford
Model	X34
Category	Plumbing Product
Language	English