I am replacing my 4th one. I have gravel in the hole and it is supported by a 2X4. The leaks are always from the weep holes. Any ideas?

Are you replacing the whole unit down to and including the valve at the bottom or just the handle at the top. The leaking part is right down at the weep holes. You have to repair or replace that part to fix the problem.

I am replacing the whole unit, not just the handle.

I'm puzzled that you are having problems if you are replacing the whole thing. There are two things that come to mind that could be your problem. The first thing I would check is if this is one of those units that need to be adjusted correctly after installation. On some of those frostproof hydrants you have to be certain that the handle at the top is adjusted correctly to let the valve (at the bottom) seat fully. It is done by changing the length of the rod connecting the handle to the valve. It sounds like you may have a misadjustment of that type. Less likely is that when you are installing it and tightening things, something is getting bent or misaligned or a seat is getting scored from dirt getting in during installation. Did you get any information with the unit when you purchased it? Read it fully. Real mechanics DO read the instructions, or else they learn by fixing their mistakes. I personally hate the latter.

EPM

If water is leaking out of the hydrant spicket then how do you adjust handle on top to cause it to quit leaking when you push the handle down?

Hi John...

Your question isn't exactly clear... ;) Sounds like your vacuum breaker is defective.

Take a minute and post your own question and give us as many details on your issue as possible.

How old is the spigot? Can you post a picture of the spigot? More info. Gets a better answer, OK?

Mark

PS: I'm off for now, I'll try to pop back in later tonight