I have 3 of these. They are all placed on cinder blocks against a wall. Have never had any trouble with any of them leaking or with chickens dirtying them. I remove the entire bottom to fill then attach the bottom and flip it. I even have one in a covered outdoor run with just a bale of straw to block the west wind and it stayed thawed at near 0*F. Barring any electrical malfunction I anticipate these lasting a good long time.