[ejayb9]

Hello DIY'ers. I'd like to modify a frost proof yard hydrant changing the handle with a foot pedal. Basically, I'd like a frost proof solution to wash muddy shoes and boots by pressing a foot pedal and the water flows out of a standard shower head. I'm thinking of mounting the shower head about 12 - 16 inches on a 4x4 post above a 2'x2' concrete pad. The foot pedal would rest alongside the 4x4 post. So when the person walked up they could step on the pedal and get their shoes cleaned. I'm stuck on 2 areas. 1) how do I get a foot pedal to firmly close the hydrant valve, simulating the same force a hydrant handle produces. 2) how do I run the water out of the top of the hydrant pipe if a pedal is attached to it.

Anyone have any ideas or other alternatives?
Thanks!

 

[Nealtw]

Better would be a clean crushed grave with good drainage to some where else.

Two peddles on a rocking beam, on with the right and off with the left.

 

[ejayb9]

Thanks for the reply. I thought of something similar to that but it wouldn't solve the need for frost proof, because the water would still be in the line from the valve, to the top of the shower head where the water comes out. That's why I thought modifying a frost proof yard hydrant would be easier because it already has the drain mechanism built in to it. Other thing is I have a hydrant pipe laying around so I wouldn't have to make any special purchases, I could just reuse what's already there. I just can't seem to figure out how to add a foot pedal to it.

 

[Oso954]

That's why I thought modifying a frost proof yard hydrant would be easier because it already has the drain mechanism built in to it.

I’d dig out the instructions on that frost proof hydrant and read them. Look for some type of wording saying that it may not drain properly if anything is attached to the nozzle.

 

[Nealtw]

Thanks for the reply. I thought of something similar to that but it wouldn't solve the need for frost proof, because the water would still be in the line from the valve, to the top of the shower head where the water comes out. That's why I thought modifying a frost proof yard hydrant would be easier because it already has the drain mechanism built in to it. Other thing is I have a hydrant pipe laying around so I wouldn't have to make any special purchases, I could just reuse what's already there. I just can't seem to figure out how to add a foot pedal to it.

So the rod goes up instead of down?

 

[Nealtw]

I’d dig out the instructions on that frost proof hydrant and read them. Look for some type of wording saying that it may not drain properly if anything is attached to the nozzle.

would adding a vacuum break solve that??

 

[Ghostmaker]

The opening where the water comes out must be self draining. If the frostproof does not drain it will freeze and break each winter.

 

[ron45]

https://www.walmart.com/ip/JobSite-...589312?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=1148

 

[SeniorSitizen]

I've used these for years to wash garden vegetables etc. or anything requiring both hands. Maybe you could invent a rocking beam lever attached to the handle or the rod as suggested in reply#2.

 

[lenaitch]

I agree with SS that, if you really want to do this, you would need to build some kind of linkage with a fulcrum to both open and close the valve. It's been a few years so stand to be corrected but if I recall, the hydrant rod travels about 3" or so. Also, it would need to be a positive closing mechanism. The linkage of a hydrant is designed to hold the valve closed. If it's just a shower head screwed to the hydrant, it will drain back; what you don't want is a hose or something that holds a column of water.


I quite can't figure out the bother, when you could solve it with a shallow plastic pan like a dish pan and either a boot scrubber as shown or a good stiff hand brush.