Why does this leak???

[ChickensAreSweet]

I have exactly the same situation as you. I have a 2 gal. fount just like that and a larger one, I think 5 gal.

The 5 gal. one never leaks. The 2 gal. one leaks slowly and needs to be refilled every day because it is only 1/4 full the next day, even when it is level. I had to move it out of the coop into the run because of this and put just a pan of water in the coop.

I am satisfied with my solution, and don't mind refilling it daily. I like having two waterers in the run. The waterers are not designed to be hung. The little metal bar that sticks out may get bent if you hang it (where it locks).

Next time I will stick with the 5 gal. size.

 

[MrsStephan]

I keep my 3 gallon one on top of a stack of concrete pavers with pavers all around and rock underneath and they still manage to tunnel around and get it uneven at least once a month. I saw a nice design in a coop around here. The waterer was set on a wire covered frame of 2 x 4's about 2 feet square. The frame was filled in with gravel to provide drainage. I may try to copy it before winter sets in.

 

[viktoriacl]

I wonder if I bent it and that is whats causing the air to leak in and then water out. I did hang it when I had it in their inside brood. I am going to investigate the air leak issue and I'll get back to you! It is REALLY level today....and leaking! UGH!

 

[greathorse]

I have two of those darn things that leak. I did carry them by the handle quite a bit and I would guess I managed to compromise the top of the outer shell. they are costly and frustrating as H when they leak. I made a bunch of nipple waterers not sure what I will do this winter.

You would think they could handle being carried by the little handle but I know the handle on the inside is to be used to carry it to the site and then the other one is to go on top

 

[NevadaRon]

I have a 5 gallon - my run isn't completely level and it has never sat level - it also has never leaked. But, I've never tried carrying it by the handle of the outer shell. Whenever I fill it, I carry it with the outer shell off, then place it on the lower portion after I set it down. That way I don't slop water all over the place.

I think you are on the right track - you have compromised the seal somehow. I don't suspect a pinhole, rather, I think it is probably out of round and that is where your air leak is.

 

[woodmort]

I guess everyone treats thing differently. I fill and carry my 5-gallon waterer by the handle all the time--never leaks. On the other hand I fill the 8-gallon one in place as it is too heavy when full--1 gallon H20 = approx 18 lbs.

 

[NevadaRon]

Quote:
Acutally, 1 gallon of water = ~8 lbs. - "A pint's a pound the world around". So a 5 gallon waterer will have ~40 lbs. of water in it when full; an 8 gallon unit would have ~64 lbs. of water in it.