I used vertical waterers in my brooder. No problems. I have them in my coop, too (for days I sleep in and don't let them out until after sun up - LOL). It dripped, so I put a lil silicone around it. Now it's leak free.
Of course, my girls prefer to drink from puddles rather than my...
I second both the puppy pads and the mama heating pad!
Puppy pads work really well - no stink, no dust! Just use them and toss them. And the mama heating pad is my fave - less fire risk, no 24 hour light, no checking brooder temps. The chicks go under it or on it when cold, avoid it when...