In article , Gerry Atrick wrote:

Actually, the "Shed" could be a steel 55 gallon drum with both ends
removed. Place the drum over the hydrant and put an electric space
heater inside. Cover the top with metal.

Wouldn't it be simpler to use a 55-gallon drum with only one end removed??

You're assuming, too, that a 55-gallon drum is long enough to cover the
hydrant. For most of the hydrants I've seen, that's not a correct assumption.

That'll thaw it. If the
drum is not high enough, oyt it on concrete blocks but be sure the
entire bottom is closed.

What you're forgetting is that by this time, the hydrant is surely frozen at
least a foot below the surface, too -- so the OP needs to thaw not only the
frozen hydrant, but frozen ground too.

I still think the best way to thaw it is to wait for warm weather -- although
on a sunny day, a 55-gallon drum, painted black, with one end closed, might do
the trick.

--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)

It's time to throw all their damned tea in the harbor again.