Quote Originally Posted by metric_taper View Post
I'm missing something, I thought these hydrants have a second valve that opens when the main pressure connection is made that lets the water drain down, so they don't freeze solid, and burst in the winter. At least this is the type I believe is used in the frost climes.
If you look at the bottom right of the cutaway you can see the drain. The main valve works like a spool valve to close off the drain while the poppet is opened.