This would mean the plunger needs to be lowered. To do this, the adjusting nut
above and below the pivot connector need to be raised one turn. This may need to be repeated again to completely stop the leak.
Smaller adjustments are better than adjusting several turns at once, as it may not be necessary. If three or so adjustments does not
fix the leak, the plunger must be replaced. Most likely it is damaged or worn excessively.
Replace the Plunger
To replace the plunger, a piece of tape needs to be put around the standpipe just under the hydrant head and mark the location of
the nozzle. Turn off the water supply and unscrew the head from the standpipe and pull out the inside rod and plunger. Replace
the plunger, lubricate and install back in standpipe. Tighten head so that the head touches the tape and likely no further
adjustment will be necessary. Test to make sure it is draining properly by holding your hand over the outlet nozzle right away
after shutting off hydrant for a few seconds. Remove hand and you should hear a sound of air rushing into the hydrant. This
means it is draining properly and should be in good working order. If it is not, do the adjustment as described above.
Leaking out of the Drain Hole
What you need to know is if it is leaking in the "off" position or the "on" position. These are two completely different
adjustments.
"On" Position Leak
If it is leaking when in the "on" position, the plunger may be too low which means the plunger is not coming up far enough to
shut off the drain hole when the hydrant is running. Making small adjustments at a time is more critical in this situation. Move
the adjustment nuts down a half turn only. By going too far you will raise the plunger so much it will not shut off when the
handle is down, causing it to leak out of the nozzle. If the leak does not stop, the plunger could be worn or damaged and needs to
be replaced.
"Off" Position Leak
If the leak continues when the hydrant is in the "off" position, the plunger needs a slight adjustment down. This means that you
need to raise the adjustment nuts up a half turn to make the plunger go down. Again, if two or more adjustments does not fix the
problem, the plunger needs to be replaced as in above directions.
The only circumstances in which a hydrant would need to be dug up would be damage to the valve body or standpipe due to
freezing weather or aggressive soil conditions and it rusted through. No amount of adjusting will fix this and those parts would
