Underground water supply into chicken runs. Not into coop

[Ronnie2]

I am in the process of digging new water lines with 3/4-inch schedule 40 PVC into both the brooder pen, and into hen pen. The buried lines will be 18-inches deep, which is our frost line from not freezing in North East Texas. Then, the lines will run up support pole post, to go horizontal with nipples screwed into bottom of PVC pipe. The pipes above ground will be insulated with foam pipe wrap, and covered with vinyl waterproof tape. QUESTION: How far should the bottom of nipples be above the ground, and how much spacing between nipples. I have, buff orpingtons, going until I get to 30-laying hens, total. Does anyone have any thoughts on this idea?

 

[cavemanrich]

Here are my thoughts.....
You do not install chicken drinking nipples into faucet pressure water system.
In the winter time when temps drop below freezing the water in the above ground pipes will freeze regardless of how much you insulate it.
Here is a solution that may work for you during winter. Get a plastic barrel like a 15 gallon capacity. Run your water into the bottom. Inside install a toilet tank valve and adjust water level to about 20 inches. You can experiment with the height for your best performance. Install on outside HORIZONTAL WATER NIPPLES.. Place some higher , and some lower to accommodate all you chickens heights. During winter, place into barrel a stock tank heater. Run your electricity thru a thermal cube. This only turns heater on when temps call for heat. The barrel placed directly over where water pipe comes up should keep water pipe below from freezing.
WISHING YOU BEST....

thermo cubes come in different temperature ranges and tank heaters come in different wattage sizes. Horizontal nipples are less likely to freeze up VS vertical ones.

 

[Ronnie2]

Here are my thoughts.....
You do not install chicken drinking nipples into faucet pressure water system.
In the winter time when temps drop below freezing the water in the above ground pipes will freeze regardless of how much you insulate it.
Here is a solution that may work for you during winter. Get a plastic barrel like a 15 gallon capacity. Run your water into the bottom. Inside install a toilet tank valve and adjust water level to about 20 inches. You can experiment with the height for your best performance. Install on outside HORIZONTAL WATER NIPPLES.. Place some higher , and some lower to accommodate all you chickens heights. During winter, place into barrel a stock tank heater. Run your electricity thru a thermal cube. This only turns heater on when temps call for heat. The barrel placed directly over where water pipe comes up should keep water pipe below from freezing.
WISHING YOU BEST....
View attachment 1141442

View attachment 1141448
thermo cubes come in different temperature ranges and tank heaters come in different wattage sizes. Horizontal nipples are less likely to freeze up VS vertical ones.

 

[Ronnie2]

Thank you
cavemanrich
Glad that I ask the question, and am happier I got a reply. I only started keeping chickens in April of this year, never been through the winter yet. Just tired of hauling in coop 5-gal. chicken waterers. I'll do as you said, will get on it right now and order supplies.

 

[happyhllfarm]

run your water line and install a yard hydrant next to the coop/run.