leaky poultry waterer nipples

[catchthewind]

I installed a nipple in a water bottle for my brooder and it leaked. I would have sworn up and down it was coming from the nipple, but I put some silicone around the outside and it stopped leaking. Recently I made a PVC waterer though and one of he nipples in that kept leaking. I reinstalled it to make sure it was pointing straight down, but no difference. I ended up replacing just that nipple and it's fine now. For the record, I have 4 in my PVC waterer, used an 11/32 drill bit, and used a drill to get them in (and I had to push on them a bit and clamp the drill around them too) and 3 of 4 were fine (well, 4 of 5 technically since I installed a different one). I did put silicone around them just in case, but they didn't leak without that either.

 

[berkeleyjack]

I installed 4 threaded nipples into a PVC pipe using both teflon tape and plenty of silicone, and one of the 4 nipples still leaks.

Not from the seal between the nipple and the pipe, but from the center of the nipple itself.
I wouldn't normally care at all, but since this is in a brooder box it's soaking the pine shavings and making a real mess.

 

[Arielle]

I hear you. I have some that leak and some that don't. ALl drilled with a bit that came with the nipples and then sealed with silicone. Frustrating when I hang up a 2 liter bottle and then the floor is soaked. UGH !!

I was under the impression that these neipple that I bought could be installed at any angle. THose that I placed at a 45 degree angle worked well initally, but over time some have failed. Some that I installed directly on the bottom failed also. I have tried pulling off the old silicone and applying new.

Doesn't work as well as I was expecting.

 

[j3707]

Where are you all buying these from? I've read here in the forums of some cheapo knock-offs that tend to leak. I don't know how many companies make the things, but I haven't had any problems with the ones I've ordered from Farmtek. Been using them for a few years now. I use teflon tape on the threads too.

 

[crickettoo]

Did you ever figure out how to solve this issue with the chicken nipple? I have the same problem with the nipples I recently purchased off ebay. I made the first prototype waterer and found that it was leaking. I realized it was the nipple itself that was leaking, not the seal around the nipple. I was hoping that you found a solution to the problem.

 

[DollyM]

Mine leak too...but not that bad, we still only fill the 5 gallon bucket that feeds the system once every several days or so (I have 8 chickens). I was thinking about digging a hole in the ground under the nipples and filling it with gravel for drainage and maybe that will prevent the puddle that I have now (which isn't that bad really)...I still think it's better than the regular waterer!

 

[breakout]

Where are you all buying these from? I've read here in the forums of some cheapo knock-offs that tend to leak. I don't know how many companies make the things, but I haven't had any problems with the ones I've ordered from Farmtek. Been using them for a few years now. I use teflon tape on the threads too.

Yes I've read of people having problems with nipples from Ebay, China etc. Following are the ones I got and have had no problem
http://www.qcsupply.com/farm-livest...aterers/420006-poly-threaded-body-nipple.html
The Farmtek ones seem good but the shipping cost is high. I used an 11/32" bit and it was a tight fit into the PVC pipe. I put the nipple in my portable drill to help it get started. It might (?) have helped if I wet the threads. I used plumbers tape.

 

[Hawgon]

I also ordered mine from QC Supply and have had no problems with leaks. I have both the screw-in and push-in styles. I prefer the push-in as they are easier to install for me. My chicks and chickens love em....I think using a good drill bit and installing them vertically make a big difference. Also not to much pressure as I had a 15 gal rain drum 6ft off the ground feeding a 3/4" pvc system and the poor chickens would get a blast of water in their faces when they tried to drink. I used valves to turn the pressure down and no problems. Good luck to all....

 

[ChickNhood]

Farmtech sells drip cups for the pultry nipples...its a simple red cup that hangs below to catch any dripping...i guess its a very common problem... Not just with chicken but even pregnant women...my wifes nipples leaked all the time

 

[tha5150]

Old post but I have a new system that's leaking pretty good. Pretty upset. Here is the picture. The bucket is about 1/3 - 1/2 full by using a float valve. Is the bucket too high and causing too much pressure? The nipples sort of spray when I press them but nothing crazy. I am thinking too much pressure could be the problem. Also these are Amazon special 25 for $7 which I think may also be an issue.

Thoughts???