Homemade waterer help

[Airilith]

I've decided to make one of those bucket waterers that I've seen on here. But I'm apparently waterer challenged.

I got my bucket (with air-tight lid; it's one of those icing buckets y'all recommended) and plastic planter dish. I drilled a hole (about 3/16 or 1/4 inch, not sure) on the side of the bottom of the bucket. I filled the bucket, put the top on, placed it in the dish, and nothing's coming out!!! I get a few drops then nothing. I tried cracking the lid, and as expected it flooded the dish.

What am I missing? Did I drill the hole too small? Should there be more than one hole?

Boy I feel silly for not being able to put together something that seems so commonplace!!

Please help! Thanks!

 

[Black Creek Poultry]

We offer a 5 gallon watering system that we have used and will continue to use for ever! they are great!!! You may see them in action at www.blackcreekpoultry.com on the watering systems tab.
John

 

[Cindiloohoo]

The hole is too small.

 

[Airilith]

Quote:
Thanks Cin! That's what I thought. What size do you think I should go with? I don't want to make it too big!

ETA: And how do you attach the dish to the bottom of the bucket? Won't screwing it make the bucket leak? Thanks again!

 

[tri-5-ron]

Quote:
Thanks Cin! That's what I thought. What size do you think I should go with? I don't want to make it too big!

ETA: And how do you attach the dish to the bottom of the bucket? Won't screwing it make the bucket leak? Thanks again!

You could use bolts and wide area (fender) washers along with rubber washers,... or,... Silicone sealant would work too.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

What size do you think I should go with?

1/2 inch should work.

The distance from the bottom of your dish to the top of the hole will regulate the depth of the water​

 

[Chicken Crazy12]

I'm gonna make some of these this year! Good to know about the size of hole thing.

 

[Airilith]

Thanks guys!!!

I didn't have a 1/2" drill bit. So I used my 3/8" bit and just wiggled it to make the hole bigger. For those without the proper sized bit, I made my hole big enough to put my index finger (I'm a lady, so fellas you can make your holes a bit smaller than that

) in about halfway and it works great now.

 

[gwill23]

Don't feel bad. I knew I needed to keep it warm in the winter so I drilled a big hole in the top for one of those floating water heaters......Well.....It didn't work

. could have kicked myself. the bucket still makes a good tool bucket though. Now I have this one. Works great and the girls seem to love it. I use heat tape and a warming mat to keep it from freezine.

 

[jsimplytx125]

Question. Why must the water bucket be upside down? Would it be easier to drill holes near the bottom of the bucket, for an easy refill? I think I must have missed that day in class, sorry if already covered.