Fed up with water founts

[Smoky73]

I also had one of those once and the same problem. And I used to use the metal ones for a long time but after a w hile, those sometimes leak at the bottom too when the seal goes bad.
Now, I use the large black rubber 3 gallon tub for my large flock on a heated base in winter and nothing but plastic gallon waterers for the rest of the flock on homemade heated bases in winter. During summer they get a combination of black rubber tubs outside and gallon waterers inside.

 

[tunaoftheland]

I really like the metal water founts, so far no leaks or anything, but then I've only had mine for about three months.

 

[pips&peeps]

Quote:
It will eventually rust and loose it's seal..............

wish I could have put automatic waters in my new building, but it's too cold here in the winter.

 

[BearSwampChick]

Quote:
I have the same one and the problem seems to be when you don't put enough water in it or if you open it to add more water later. My husband explained it to me and I'm not sure if I can relay it, because I'm not an engineer like he is. It's to do with equalizing air and water pressure inside and outside temps. I tried getting him on the phone to explain it to me again, but he's not in his office. I'll try again later and update with correct info. Once he told me, I've no longer had any problems with it leaking.

ETA: Just talked to DH and it wasn't quite as scientific as I thought I remembered. He said that if you don't get the rubber seal in there perfectly it causes it to leak. It has to be tight enough not to let any air in, but, you can't get it TOO tight either because that will distort the seal.

 

[Bird Hearder]

I Had the same problem. What I did was use a little Vasaline on the O-ring,(old plumbers Trick) some will say the Petroleum will break down the rubber, But that takes a real long time. You may be able to use Pam (non stick spray) or Butter. All your trying to do is seat the O-ring. The Oily rubber will sort of stick to the outside and not let the air in.

I haven't had a problem since.

 

[featherfooted]

Love my refrigerator crispers! They are the old type that are the coated metal. Easy to clean and hold enough water for 2 days and they don't crack in the winter the few nights they freeze. Wish I could find a couple more, these came from an old refrigerator that was my grandmothers. I clean and refill every other day works great and being an off white I can see if I missed a dirty spot.

 

[BearSwampChick]

Quote:
Go to your county's recycling center. Ours has tons of old refrigerators that people have tossed out. You might find some there.

 

[arlee453]

I have the 3 gal plastic waterer similar to the one you posted and also a metal one.

I've had good luck with both - although it can be tricky to get the lid back on just right so it seals. YOu can be off maybe one thread of the screw thrads and it will close, but it won't be sealed all the way.

My metal one is fairly new and it works fine too.

For winter I use a heated dog bowl. It holds about 2 gals and I have to fill it up daily, but don't have to worry about frozen water. I found the bowl at walmart on clearance marked down from $15 to $5 and picked it up several years ago, not knowing why or when I might use it. I've got a good use for it now!

 

[willheveland]

Quote:
I know what ones you mean.I like them the best.I bought mine from Stromberg's and they last a long time.Mine are so old that the dish is faded to pink instead of red.I think they are made by KUHL.
I have one of the rubber seal ones,what a pain.I can't believe TSC still carries them.I'm sure they hear complaints often.But you live and learn. I guess we can save some newbees the frustrations.
I don't like metal at all,if you use ACV they won't hold up and will rot fast.I'm sure after a while drinking from them tastes pretty bad.Not that a chicken minds but I wouldn't use one. Will

 

[LynneP]

Have you tried vaseline on the O-ring at the top? Grease it on well, I keep a tube in the barn. I had to move mine into the barn and use it for the feral cats, near a drain. That will seal it in warm weather but later in the year I plan to use the 1-gal fountains without a cap on top and a metal waterer with a heater under it in winter. As you've already heard never use apple cider vinegar in the metal ones, the metal corrodes and can poison your birds.


These fountains whould come with better instructions!