DIYbanter - View Single Post - How do I Unthaw yard hydrant underground?

dpb

wrote:
....

Then, when I do get it unthawed, what can I do under the concrete
level to keep it thawed? They say not to put that heat tape
underground. I did have it down abiut 2 inches into the concrete, but
not more. I sure cant think of any other way to do it.
....

If it's a frost-free and the foot-valve is below frost line, the problem
is the weep hole is plugged so it's not draining--there shouldn't be any
water in the vertical standpipe to freeze so there's no need to keep it
warm.

The real solution (as much as you're not going to like it) is to make
enough of an access to dig it up and fix that problem.

In the short term, I'd try a long ship auger bit or similar and drill a
hole (or two) alongside the pipe and drop the heat tape down it. It'll
be ok for a temporary.

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