What is the purpose of the raised pad on the hydrant elbows and tees?

The purpose of the raised pad (boss) on an HL series no-lead bronze hydrant elbow, a SSHL 304 S.S. hydrant elbows, an HT series no-lead bronze hydrant tee, and a SSHT 304 S.S. hydrant tee is to provide protection for the PE (Polyethylene) pipe and S.S. gear clamp bands.

The pad rests on the cement block which is installed to support the hydrant and prevent it from settling down into the drain bed over time. The pad raises the pipe and clamp up off the cement block creating clearance to prevent wear due to abrasion over time from the pipe rubbing on the cement block.

Tapped hydrant elbow and tee fittings are NOT used in yard hydrant installations!

Tapped fittings will have a -TNL on the end of the part number (for No-Lead Bronze) or a -T (for 304 S.S.) and have a tapping which is a female ¼”-18 TPI NPT tapered pipe thread. This fitting is used for special applications, typically for installing a pressure gauge in a poly piping system to monitor system pressure.