Leaking waterer

[MoonHarvester]

Just want to double check, I think I might just need a replacement of that little black cap? I inherited this waterer and I notice it’s constantly draining of water when I fill it up. The little black cap it came with is broken. I just wanted to check before I wasted $10 or if I should do something else to fix it!

 

[Yardmom]

If I'm picturing your waterer correctly, the little black cap is to plug the hole where the water comes out while filling the waterer. In order to use the waterer you will need to find another way to fill the hole while filling. Once it is filled screw the lid back on first then remove the plug. The spot the little cap goes at the top is just for storage.

 

[MoonHarvester]

If I'm picturing your waterer correctly, the little black cap is to plug the hole where the water comes out while filling the waterer. In order to use the waterer you will need to find another way to fill the hole while filling. Once it is filled screw the lid back on first then remove the plug. The spot the little cap goes at the top is just for storage.

Got it, maybe it’s constantly leaking because my ground isn’t level… or my chickens are drinking a lot more water than I thought
I’ve been sticking my finger in the hole when filling it up and quickly running the heavy thing back to the coop
I thought the black cap did something lol thanks

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'm not familiar with that specific waterer or how to fill it. That type of waterer requires a vacuum to not leak. There should be one or more small holes in the base that they drink out of that are typically covered with water. When they drink enough the water level goes below that hole so some water comes out to refill it and cover that hole, again sealing the vacuum.

If you cannot reestablish that vacuum then the container will empty. That can be because it is not sitting level so one of those holes at the bottom is never sealed with water. If it is hanging it may not hang level, maybe because it is not hanging level or it is getting rocked by the chickens bumping against it or the wind.

The other possibility is that you are not getting a good seal above so air can leak in.

You mention the ground not being level and a cracked cap. Either one could be your problem.

 

[MoonHarvester]

I'm not familiar with that specific waterer or how to fill it. That type of waterer requires a vacuum to not leak. There should be one or more small holes in the base that they drink out of that are typically covered with water. When they drink enough the water level goes below that hole so some water comes out to refill it and cover that hole, again sealing the vacuum.

If you cannot reestablish that vacuum then the container will empty. That can be because it is not sitting level so one of those holes at the bottom is never sealed with water. If it is hanging it may not hang level, maybe because it is not hanging level or it is getting rocked by the chickens bumping against it or the wind.

The other possibility is that you are not getting a good seal above so air can leak in.

You mention the ground not being level and a cracked cap. Either one could be your problem.

Thank you I just closed the top lid tighter and I think that was it!

I always have a hard time opening things so I never close anything too tightly

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Got it, maybe it’s constantly leaking because my ground isn’t level… or my chickens are drinking a lot more water than I thought
I’ve been sticking my finger in the hole when filling it up and quickly running the heavy thing back to the coop
I thought the black cap did something lol thanks

Thank you I just closed the top lid tighter and I think that was it!

I always have a hard time opening things so I never close anything too tightly

Leveling it will help a lot.

You also need to find a way to plug the hole so you can fill the water station. I'd see if I could find a cork and whittle it down to fit or maybe even a stick.

I have that water station in 3 gallons, for me it's heavy if full and a bit awkward to carry. A 5 gallon one, well...NOPE!

Instead of trying to run as fast as you can, leave the station where it sits unless you need to move it to your spigot and wash it.

Instead, save a few milk jugs and fill those up with water, then walk those to the water station, plug the hole and fill it up. Easier than having to run with that huge water station with your finger stuck in the hole ( I can picture this for some reason)

And yes, the "Lid" the top portion is really what controls water flow after you remove the plug (little black screw on cap). That lid has a gasket, make sure it's intact. If your Lid is not on tight enough, water will go everywhere. If it's too tight, then it creates a vacuum and nothing comes out. It's fiddley, my hens stand around when I fill it up and stare at it to see if I'm going to blast water all over or if the thing is going to gurgle and glug or make a whistling sound...its entertaining.

And yes, I really do like that water station, I use it almost year-round for one of my flocks, except for the coldest part of winter when I switch to a rubber bowl that you can stomp on when it freezes.