Nipple waterer question

[AlineD]

I have read through dozens of posts about using buckets and pvc pipe with nipple waterers, but I haven't come across the info I'm looking for: what piece do you use to connect the pvc pipe to the bucket?

 

[Mac in Wisco]

I have read through dozens of posts about using buckets and pvc pipe with nipple waterers, but I haven't come across the info I'm looking for: what piece do you use to connect the pvc pipe to the bucket?

A male fitting with gaskets (or caulk) and a nut. It may be easier to bring it out the bottom where you have a flat surface to work with, but the sides are flexible enough to squash flat at the connection.

The PVC doesn't necessarily have to be connected to the bucket. You can use flexible hose in between (along with the appropriate fittings). That way you can place each where they are convenient.

 

[AlineD]

I like the hose idea, that way the bucket can be easily disconnected for cleaning. I wonder if anyone has problems with the pipes getting slimy and needing to be scrubbed and/or the nipples clogging up?

 

[jcinadr]

I have 2 with 5 gallon buckets. One has the nipples screwed directly into the bucket. I used a barb fitting on the other. I lucked out and drilled a hole that allowed the male pipe thread on the barb to seal. If that had failed, gorilla glue was waiting.

 

[AlineD]

Yay! We found an old cooler that has a male fitting that we can connect to a garden hose. We'll use that instead of the bucket, I think, and run it to the pipe. Should work great (I hope). I'm still wondering about cleaning issues though. Do you have to scrub out your pipes and buckets periodically? I suppose it depends on your water supply...but pretty much anything will slime up eventually, right?

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Yay! We found an old cooler that has a male fitting that we can connect to a garden hose. We'll use that instead of the bucket, I think, and run it to the pipe. Should work great (I hope). I'm still wondering about cleaning issues though. Do you have to scrub out your pipes and buckets periodically? I suppose it depends on your water supply...but pretty much anything will slime up eventually, right?

If you have problems with "slime" (probably iron reducing bacteria) you'll have to periodically flush things with bleach or hydrogen peroxide.