How to Adjust the Water Pressure on a Frost Free Water Hydrant
- 1). Open the frost-free water hydrant valve and allow the water to flow for a few seconds to release any air or sediment that may have accumulated in the supply piping.
- 2). Close the valve and attach a water pressure gauge to the spout of the hydrant. Tighten the gauge fitting clockwise with an adjustable wrench. If the hydrant spout is equipped with a back-flow device, connect the gauge to it.
- 3). Open the hydrant valve slowly and check the water pressure reading on the gauge. The hydrant water pressure must not exceed 80 pounds per square inch (psi). Ideally, the pressure should be regulated between 20 and 40 psi, which can be accomplished by adjusting the water pressure regulator.
- 4). Find the water pressure regulator in the water supply line of the hydrant.
- 5). Loosen the lock-nut that surrounds the regulator adjustment screw with an adjustable wrench. Turn the nut counterclockwise.
- 6). Turn the adjustment screw with a flat screwdriver. A clockwise turn will increase the water pressure to the hydrant, and a counterclockwise turn will decrease the pressure. Have a helper open and close the hydrant valve as each adjustment is made, monitoring the changes.
- 7). Tighten the lock-nut clockwise when the desired pressure at the hydrant is achieved.
