Watering nipples getting stuck...

[(sub)UrbanCoop]

I have gone from a one gallon bell to a 3 gallon bucket and water nipples. I am finding that the nipples get stuck in an open position and drains out the bucket at least twice a week. What a pain!

Is there anything I can do to keep this from happening? Is there a lubricant I can use on the nipples?

Any suggestions would be great.

Thank you.

Edit to add photos:

 

[ChickenWaterer]

Really hard to tell without pictures of your set up. One possibility is that the bucket is not level. This would cause the water to drip out at an angle. The surface tension of the water might cause a some of it to adhere to the stem of the valve and the side of the nipple. This would hold open the nipple valve and the water would drain out. Post some photos and I'll do the best to figure it out. -Mark

 

[debid]

Did you fill the bucket from a hose? If there is a big enough piece of grit of some sort that got into the water and lodged in the nipple, it will drip. OR, a small crack in the bucket itself. I had this happen after I dropped the bucket on the nipple but it could easily happen during installation -- I used aquarium sealant to fix mine.

 

[(sub)UrbanCoop]

Really hard to tell without pictures of your set up. One possibility is that the bucket is not level. This would cause the water to drip out at an angle. The surface tension of the water might cause a some of it to adhere to the stem of the valve and the side of the nipple. This would hold open the nipple valve and the water would drain out. Post some photos and I'll do the best to figure it out. -Mark

Hey Mark. Thanks for the reply. I have posted some photos of the set up I've got in the run.

 

[(sub)UrbanCoop]

Did you fill the bucket from a hose? If there is a big enough piece of grit of some sort that got into the water and lodged in the nipple, it will drip. OR, a small crack in the bucket itself. I had this happen after I dropped the bucket on the nipple but it could easily happen during installation -- I used aquarium sealant to fix mine.

I do fill the bucket from the hose, but I always try to rinse off the actually hose not to drop the dirt back into the water (not to say that it still may not happen). No cracks, checked it thoroughly.

 

[ChickenWaterer]

I honestly can't see any reason why the nipples would leak based on your set up. It looks fairly level and the bucket is not so large as to create water pressure that's too high. Have you actually observed them stuck in the open position and leaking water or is this what you think is happening?

 

[Island Roo]

I had one get stuck in PVC waterer today too. The metal part was stuck in the drinking position. I flicked it with my finger and it started to operate correctly again. The water is clean but I suppose a small piece of debris might have caused it.

If it ever tries that again I'll replace it.

 

[(sub)UrbanCoop]

I honestly can't see any reason why the nipples would leak based on your set up. It looks fairly level and the bucket is not so large as to create water pressure that's too high. Have you actually observed them stuck in the open position and leaking water or is this what you think is happening?

I've gone out to the coop and seen it stuck in the open position. I'll give the nipple a little tap to bring it back down.

 

[(sub)UrbanCoop]

I had one get stuck in PVC waterer today too. The metal part was stuck in the drinking position. I flicked it with my finger and it started to operate correctly again. The water is clean but I suppose a small piece of debris might have caused it.

If it ever tries that again I'll replace it.

Can the nipple be replaced without damage to the bucket? This was the two piece nipple insert. A plastic ring and then you insert in the nipple itself.

 

[ChickenWaterer]

It may just be the poultry nipples. I'll send you three of the poultry nipples I use in the manufacture of the BriteTap chicken waterer at no charge because its Christmas. I've not had any problems with these so they should work well for you. You may even be able to reuse the same bucket. Place some plumbers tape (teflon tape) on the threads before inserting them. You can buy plumbers tape at the hardware store. Let me know your email address by sending it to [email protected]. If you want to check out the BriteTap waterer visit our web site at ChickenWaterer.com. Have a great holiday. -Mark