water nipples leaking

[iclight0]

Hi ive only had chickens for a year so I dicided to build a water system with nipple and a five gal water jug. What I did I use a 4*3 coupler then down to 1-1/2 pipe 1-1/2 elbow to 1/2 pipe. The nipples are in the 1/2 pipe. Could the problem be that the 1/2 pipe is not getting sufficient pressure. Thanks for any help.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The nipples shouldn't need any pressure. The problem may be too much pressure. Is the larger pipe under pressure or just gravity from the bucket? How high above the nipples is the bucket?
Are they vertical or horizontal type nipples?

ETA
Leaking would come from either too high of pressure or debris (mostly from cutting pipe) clogging the seal in the nipple.

 

[iclight0]

Its about 2ft but the main down pipe is only 1-1/2 and very.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The bottle may be too high.
I think they only need about 1 PSI.
http://blog.chickenwaterer.com/2012/11/poultry-nipples-and-water-pressure-in.html

 

[chad-o]

The biggest complaint people have with vertical nipples is the leak. Horizontal nipples don't leak they are the latest and byfar the greatest.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221392072735?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649

 

[pdirt]

Quote:
I would agree with chad-o on the horizontal nipples. They are much better, IMO. I use both vertical and horizontal nipples in my setup (one cross-beaked bird cannot drink from the h-nipples). The vertical ones don't leak when not in use but they DO leak when a bird is using them...leaks all over the ground and on the bird. No good having wet birds in -9F temps we had this winter! The horizontal ones don't leak, period, or maybe a drop on the ground occasionally, but the ground there is always dry vs always wet under the vertical nipples. Installation of the vertical nipples required an exact sized hole, teflon tape and a crescent wrench. The horizontal nipple installation requires a 3/8" or slightly smaller hole and self-seals via hand tightening without needing teflon tape. I also think it's a more natural position for a bird to drink. From what I can tell from your setup, I think your 5 gallon jug is too high and is probably giving you too much water pressure. Perhaps a flow restrictor would solve your issues if you are otherwise happy with your setup. Even a homemade restrictor...perhaps a yogurt lid with a small hole in it place under the spout of the water jug? You might have to caulk it in...be sure to use aquarium silicone so as not to poison the water. But like CC said, you might first check the nipple connections and make sure there is no debris or rough edges where they install into the pipe.

 

[iclight0]

Will I just order some horizontal nipples to fix the problem

 

[chad-o]

Will I just order some horizontal nipples to fix the problem

Some people have posted that they are using horizontal nipples with a 55gal. supply and have no problem. I think it's a sure cure for you.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I've used both types of nipples and 2 types of drinker cups. I love one of the cups with the little wand that opens the valve, it twists off for easy cleaning. The cup with the float, I don't like because it's hard to remove for cleaning. It works better for baby chicks though.
Both types of nipples have leaked for me. I'm not giving up on the horizontal though. I could have 2 problems with them. I may not have flushed the pipes before use. My 55 gallon drum may be too high too.

ETA
Between the 4, I believe the horizontal would be the easiest to keep from freezing.

 

[iclight0]

I'm going to wrap with heat tape later this summer so they don't freeze