Large 55 gal waterer using horizontal nipples.

I saw these horizontal nipples here on BYC and wanted to give them a try. I have an outdoor 5 gallon bucket with vertical nipples and an aquarium heater plugged into a thermocube (only turns on below freezing) but refilling was a chore and after trying 3 different nipple suppliers, all dripped a little and made a nice ice patch. I wanted something larger that I didn't have to refill so often and wouldn't freeze. Rich (Solway Feeder rep) sent me a couple of these to test the pressure in a 55 gal drum I picked up on local classifieds for $15. He was top notch and fast to respond. I tested two and no leaks! Drilled a small hole and screwed in hand tight, and then the rest of the way flush to the barrel with a wrench. I then ordered 10 off eBay and added 3 more to complete the waterer. I then added a float valve at the top which hooks up to the sprinkler system and will top off once a week for seven months. During winter, I'll have to fill it up with a hose, but far less frequently, perhaps monthly. I hope to drop a stock tank deicer in it to prevent freezing, and with the large volume it shouldn't be a problem. As you can see, the girls love it! I did the same setup with a hog nipple in the bottom of a drum for our pygmy goats and it's a real time saver as well.

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losa said:

I saw these horizontal nipples here on BYC and wanted to give them a try. I have an outdoor 5 gallon bucket with vertical nipples and an aquarium heater plugged into a thermocube (only turns on below freezing) but refilling was a chore and after trying 3 different nipple suppliers, all dripped a little and made a nice ice patch. I wanted something larger that I didn't have to refill so often and wouldn't freeze. Rich (Solway Feeder rep) sent me a couple of these to test the pressure in a 55 gal drum I picked up on local classifieds for $15. He was top notch and fast to respond. I tested two and no leaks! Drilled a small hole and screwed in hand tight, and then the rest of the way flush to the barrel with a wrench..

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Hello, I know this is an old post, but I am hoping you remember what size bit you used to drill the holes. thanks

11/32

Hello, can you please tell me what I am doing wrong? I went up to a 1/4" drill bit and I cannot get this in more than 1/8". my hands are raw. I tried a hammer. Is it possible that these wont work with this type of plastic? it is at least as hard as wood. Thanks for your help

dgh said:

Hello, can you please tell me what I am doing wrong? I went up to a 1/4" drill bit and I cannot get this in more than 1/8". my hands are raw. I tried a hammer. Is it possible that these wont work with this type of plastic? it is at least as hard as wood. Thanks for your help

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11/32 is closer to 1/3 .. 1/4 is smaller than 11/32

I DID IT !!! thank you so much. It is working. This might be a God send for me.... and the birds. Thanks again for your help

this is wonderful I got these from Ebay , the Solway feeders rep. got right back to me and helped me make this. he even sent a link for a good float valve also on eBay. I did need to us an 11/32 drill bit which I got at Home Depot. The birds used it in one day after I eliminated all other water sources. I will bet a submersible fish tank heater but I can also up a light bult underneath. this is so cool.

I would use a stock tank heater for that drum. I'm Glad it's working for you. Horizontal nipples are awesome, clean water all the time.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BWR7RG/?tag=backy-20

I thought the fish tank heaters mightbe too small but they heat to about 90 degrees. I only need above freezing. however, the FT heaters are also high in wattage, so I will look at stock tank heaters. thanks so much for the link. I also put sand down in part of my barn. and I made gravity feeder out of two stacked plastic footlockers. whhoooo hooooo !!!