On Wed, 23 Jan 2013 23:14:09 +0000 (UTC),
(Larry W) wrote:

If you have a daily need it may be worth your while to have a frost-proof
anti-siphon hydrant valve installed. Try googloing "frostproof hydrant"
for some examples. These valves have a rod or linkage above ground,
and the actual valve is below the frost line. The linkage operates the
valve and water comes out through the above ground standpipe portion.
When the valve is closed, the water in the upper part of the piping
automtically drains, so no ice can form.


Actually, I have two of these already. One in my barn and another near
a lower pasture area. But I keep some small ponies next to the house in
winter, and theur tanks get filled from the spigot on the house. I
suppose putting in another yard hydrant would help, but th cost is
prohibitive. The hydrant itself is about $100 and the piping is not too
costly. I could even connect the pipes myself. But getting an
excavator to even drive to the property is at least $750 and ends up
costing $1000 and up. When I was younger, I'd dig a 25 foot long trench
6 foot deep with a shovel, but no more.