The problem I am facing is not actually with the hydrant itself as I did all of these things when it was installed and it is draining properly. You can always tell if a hydrant is draining as it makes a very, very faint whooshing noise as the water drains out of it and if you put your hand over the spout, you can feel the slight tug of air pressure as it drains. I listen for that whooshing noise every single time I use the water.
The freezing problem I am facing is the water line itself; the heavy, plastic line that runs from the house and feeds the hydrant. The line runs right in front of the barn and there is about a four foot section between the bottom of the hydrant and the edge of the barn door where it just isn't deep enough, especially as that is the main traffic area in and out of the barn and it is a horribly wet spot. I knew this wasn't right when it was installed. However, I had the excavator, the contractor and a well digger all telling me it was fine and not to worry my little head. I caved. I kick myself for it now, but, what can I say? Dealing with contractors ranks on my top ten list of miserable jobs.
At any rate, the water is working today and, by some miracle, it does not appear that the line ruptured. By another miracle, the contractor did show up this afternoon and he has agreed to dig up the line and bury it deeper. Since the water is working and the ground is frozen harder then cement, we agreed to wait till Spring to actually do the digging - as long as no problems arise between now and then. Since mud and drainage are a constant problem, he also agreed to use his equipment while he is here to spread out stone and gravel if I pay for the materials. If he really does show up and do as promised, I will be satisfied. I would like to say that I have faith that all will work out as planned, but.....I think I have mentioned how I feel about "plans". Time will tell.
At least I have some reliable help.
"Here Ma, use the grey stuff, it seem to work on everything else."
Reliable up until nap time anyways.
Is mama trying to do her own dental work when she helps herself to the box of tools? lol. Love the video :)
ReplyDelete"... telling me it was fine and not to worry my little head. I caved."
ReplyDeleteOh that sounds so familiar! And then we kick ourselves instead of them, just because we are so relieved that they have finally left and can do no further nonsense/damage...
Best of luck to you this time around! e-m
Blogging is like having a town of the best neighbors ever to give you a hand!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you saved those Summer Baby videos for us.
These two act just like my cats. Love the roll in the hay : )
ReplyDeleteThe video reminds me of my cat - she loves to kick litter (clean) out of the box and roll in it on the floor. I love your "helpers"!!
ReplyDeleteNancy in Iowa
Love the napping picture! We are facing a pump problem here too, all the sudden.
ReplyDeleteGood thing he's coming back to bury it deeper as soon as you thaw out some. I don't know much about hydrants, just learned the hard way about making sure to drain them after every use during the winter.
ReplyDeleteBut like I mentioned, sometimes you have to bury the line even deeper than what is recommended so you can get far enough below the frost line to avoid freezing.
In addition, when you have an area that not only gets damp and muddy, but also trampled on and compressed, the depth that you originally thought was good enough, suddenly isn't. And when the ground gets compressed, not only will the depth of your line become less, the ground becomes denser, and not as insulated as looser soil.
That last photo is so peaceful. And the video is adorable. So is Ramsey nursing again?
~Lisa
Oh never mind....I just realized that was a summer time video with the green grass. lol!
ReplyDelete~Lisa