It was done wrong because the break coupling on the shaft, wasn't raised to ground level. The solid coupling that comes with the extension kit is supposed to be used before the extension rod is installed and therefore ensuring that the hydrant would properly break off when hit. The way it was done, the hydrant would break off at ground level and best cast scenario, the hydrant rod would break off 3' below the ground, still having to dig up the hydrant to repair. Worst case scenario, it doesn't break at that coupling and damages the lower valve assembly which may require the hydrant to be replaced.
Could they not have pulled the pin in the coupler and left the shaft partially threaded in the bonnet? That’s how American-USA suggest to do it on the American Darling Hydrants to avoid damaging stem seals/ o-rings.
At first I didn’t understand what you were saying but now I get it so at 1:45 in the video instead of pulling the top pin they should have pulled the lower and replaced that coupler entirely with the one in the kit and re used it on the top.
Yeah, if they had pulled the lower pin, they could have kept the breakaway coupling with the upper stem where it belongs. I have repaired many hydrants because of improper extension installation just like this
Well removing it this way you noticed that the lubricating oil just spilled out of the bottom and will rust out the threads in a few years making the hydrant Really hard to open. Also a very good chance of damaging the bonnet )-rings causing water to get inside bonnet. Also basic Fire Hydrant 101. These boys obviously didn't read the booklet that comes inside each extension kit. The extension coupling goes on at the bottom of the extension. The way the knuckleheads are doing it the new owners will certainly have issues in the coming years. Probably best video I've seen on HOW NOT to put an extension on. You don't need to refill the bonnet oil after doing this and NEVER fill to the top. In my 31 years of doing this I've sometimes up to 30 fire hydrant extensions a month and never ever done one this way. I don't want or need any callbacks. When this hydrant gets hit it will break off at the breakaway coupling 3 feet down causing a lot more work. I'm the Hydrantdoctor and thats the way it is
man they like doing it the hard way. take the top 6 bolts out spin the top off lift the bonnet off put on extension and spin top back on tighten bolts add oil. I'll beat them eveeytime doing it this way
Also, the breakaway coupling was left down in the bottom of the extension. If this hydrant is hit in the future, it will not break over properly. They should have pulled out the lower pin and kept the coupling on the upper stem. Then put the extension coupling on the lower stem and the bottom of the extension stem. That way the breakaway coupling would be at ground level
It was done wrong because the break coupling on the shaft, wasn't raised to ground level. The solid coupling that comes with the extension kit is supposed to be used before the extension rod is installed and therefore ensuring that the hydrant would properly break off when hit. The way it was done, the hydrant would break off at ground level and best cast scenario, the hydrant rod would break off 3' below the ground, still having to dig up the hydrant to repair. Worst case scenario, it doesn't break at that coupling and damages the lower valve assembly which may require the hydrant to be replaced.
Could they not have pulled the pin in the coupler and left the shaft partially threaded in the bonnet? That’s how American-USA suggest to do it on the American Darling Hydrants to avoid damaging stem seals/ o-rings.
At first I didn’t understand what you were saying but now I get it so at 1:45 in the video instead of pulling the top pin they should have pulled the lower and replaced that coupler entirely with the one in the kit and re used it on the top.
Absolutely correct. Break away hydrants are designed to break off a few inches above grade.
Yeah, if they had pulled the lower pin, they could have kept the breakaway coupling with the upper stem where it belongs. I have repaired many hydrants because of improper extension installation just like this
Hopefully they read the comments and got right back out there to dig it all up and do it correctly.
Well removing it this way you noticed that the lubricating oil just spilled out of the bottom and will rust out the threads in a few years making the hydrant Really hard to open. Also a very good chance of damaging the bonnet )-rings causing water to get inside bonnet. Also basic Fire Hydrant 101. These boys obviously didn't read the booklet that comes inside each extension kit. The extension coupling goes on at the bottom of the extension. The way the knuckleheads are doing it the new owners will certainly have issues in the coming years. Probably best video I've seen on HOW NOT to put an extension on. You don't need to refill the bonnet oil after doing this and NEVER fill to the top. In my 31 years of doing this I've sometimes up to 30 fire hydrant extensions a month and never ever done one this way. I don't want or need any callbacks. When this hydrant gets hit it will break off at the breakaway coupling 3 feet down causing a lot more work. I'm the Hydrantdoctor and thats the way it is
man they like doing it the hard way. take the top 6 bolts out spin the top off lift the bonnet off put on extension and spin top back on tighten bolts add oil. I'll beat them eveeytime doing it this way
Very good info
Break away coupler was in the wrong spot
how was it done wrong?
The hydrant was installed too low and needed an expensive riser after the fact.
Also, the breakaway coupling was left down in the bottom of the extension. If this hydrant is hit in the future, it will not break over properly. They should have pulled out the lower pin and kept the coupling on the upper stem. Then put the extension coupling on the lower stem and the bottom of the extension stem. That way the breakaway coupling would be at ground level
Is good
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