How do I remove a yard hydrant plunger rubber?

From time to time a yard hydrant plunger will become lodged in the galvanized standpipe when the rod and plunger are being lifted out of the valve body for replacement. This is caused by a buildup of iron or corrosion which has decreased the inside diameter of the pipe. In some cases, the upwards force can tear the rubber off the metal core leaving what appears to be three O-rings behind. These are not O-rings but are simply the rubber that was left in the three grooves which secures the rubber on the core (see the photos below). 

To be able to install the new plunger this shell of rubber must be removed. To do so remove the head cast assembly by following the yard hydrant repair instructions.

With the head assembly removed and the connecting rod and plunger core pulled from the standpipe the rubber should be free and can often be flushed out by turning on the water supply in full force.

If this is not successful, before resorting to digging up the hydrant, the following solution has been successful in the past. Simply make a 3/8" coupling and wood screw assembly as detailed in this photo below.

Remove the SS plunger insert from the connecting rod. Then thread the 3/8" coupling and wood screw assembly onto the connecting rod.

Lower the assembly down into the hydrant standpipe into the valve body and screw it into the lodged plunger rubber using a clockwise rotation – DO NOT TURN COUTNER-CLOCKWISE. With the screw through the rubber, slowly pull up on the rod and remove the plunger rubber up out of the standpipe. Having the water pressure on will assist in forcing the rubber up through the pipe.

With the rubber removed you are ready to install the new plunger assembly back onto the connecting rod for reassembly.