Chicken Watering Cup Leaks

[Laurie Williams]

Hello,
I’ve attached a pic of the watering system I had installed. The system is located in an enclosed run. The floor of the run is wood that is off the ground and covered in linoleum. At first the cups were leaking at the connection to the pvc pipe because my handyman didn't read the directions and didn’t use plumbers tape. I asked him to correct it, and he said he did, but I don’t see any of the tape where I think it might show a little between the joints. Anyway. the leaks from the joints stopped. However, the birds are tipping the cups, usually it’s one cup I find tipped, and causing substantial water leakage. I’m wondering if applying the plumbers tape should keep the cups from tipping easily, and if not, does anyone have any ideas on how I can prevent them from tipping? I can’t put a support under the cups, because the cups are meant to refill themselves by being pushed down slightly when the birds go to drink, triggering a trickle from the pvc pipe. This problem caused a huge mess both times, requiring me to have to shovel out lots of wet straw to prevent inability for it to dry, mold, damage, etc.
Update: I just noticed that most of the cups seem pretty secure, but not impossible to tip, and the one that I think was tipped is super lose. It seems they all have the potential to tip, but the more secure ones not near as likely.

 

[cavemanrich]

I suggest unscrewing the more loose ones,,,, and applying a thicker layer of Teflon tape onto the threads. The extra layers of Teflon on the threads should make a stronger snug fit.
There are possibilities of using epoxy, but that makes for a permanent bond. which presents difficulties if cups need to be replaced due to natural breakage. Nothing lasts forever.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[Altairsky]

My chickens always do a mess when they drink from either the cups or the nipples. I gave up in the end and placed something to hold spilled water below the waterer.

 

[thistlewick]

I use nipple waterers>way less spillage

I put a big thick rubber mat under the waterer to protect the hen house floor

The wood shavings get a little wet sometimes, but they dry out, it's a tiny spot and doesn't cause any issues.

 

[Laurie Williams]

I use nipple waterers>way less spillage

I put a big thick rubber mat under the waterer to protect the hen house floor

The wood shavings get a little wet sometimes, but they dry out, it's a tiny spot and doesn't cause any issues.

Thank you!

 

[Laurie Williams]

My chickens always do a mess when they drink from either the cups or the nipples. I gave up in the end and placed something to hold spilled water below the waterer.

Thank you, I came to this conclusion too yesterday and I’m looking for a drip tray that would work.

 

[Laurie Williams]

I use nipple waterers>way less spillage

I put a big thick rubber mat under the waterer to protect the hen house floor

The wood shavings get a little wet sometimes, but they dry out, it's a tiny spot and doesn't cause any issues.

Thank you!

 

[Laurie Williams]

I use nipple waterers>way less spillage

I put a big thick rubber mat under the waterer to protect the hen house floor

The wood shavings get a little wet sometimes, but they dry out, it's a tiny spot and doesn't cause any issues.

Thank you!

 

[Laurie Williams]

I use nipple waterers>way less spillage

I put a big thick rubber mat under the waterer to protect the hen house floor

The wood shavings get a little wet sometimes, but they dry out, it's a tiny spot and doesn't cause any issues.

Thanks!

 

[Laurie Williams]

I suggest unscrewing the more loose ones,,,, and applying a thicker layer of Teflon tape onto the threads. The extra layers of Teflon on the threads should make a stronger snug fit.
There are possibilities of using epoxy, but that makes for a permanent bond. which presents difficulties if cups need to be replaced due to natural breakage. Nothing lasts forever.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

Thank you, will do this and also looking for a drip tray.