Help with gravity fed nipple waterer

[cluckincrazy]

Trying to water 4 quail cages. Planning to use 3/4"pvc, nipples, and a 5 gallon bucket. The "closed" end of the line will have a stop valve so I can open it to flush the system. I will fill the bucket manually (with a hose) every few days. My question is: can I pipe the pvc directly into the bottom side of the bucket or do I need more height? Also, do I need a lid or just a screen over the bucket? Will it even work??

 

[Bosque]

I would think that you could plumb into the bottom of the bucket. As long as the nipples are lower than the bottom of the bucket, you should be golden. I would always use a lid. It keeps everything out including dust that overtime could clog up your nipples. Do you need to worry about freezing? If so, what is your plan?
Good luck, Let us know how it turnes out.

 

[cluckincrazy]

I'm in FL so freezing is not an issue. I saw many examples of systems with a float but wasn't sure if I needed one. I know you can connect nipples directly to the bucket but was concerned about lower pressure through the pvc. Just needed some feedback. Thank you oh so much! Nipples are on backorder till 8/25. I'll post a pic if they ever get here.

 

[cluckincrazy]

It worked...mostly. I posted pics in the quail section. Thanks for your encouragement.