Now is the time to prepare your waterers for the upcoming cold weather. Below is a list of suggestions and tips that will help ensure your waterer
will function properly during the coldest days.
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 Riser tube
Riser tube should be free of water and mud that may freeze.
Check to make sure nothing is touching the waterline in the riser tube.
Do not add extra insulation or fill to the riser tube.
TIP - Frost travels. Anything touching the waterline and the riser tube can cause your waterline to freeze.
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Unit Base
If not already done, apply an all weather sealant along the base of the unit and the concrete pad. |  |
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Water seal groove
Thrifty King CT family, WaterMatic family, and WaterMaster family
Fill the waterseal groove that is located under the red valve chamber cover with water or vegetable oil. (When frozen, the water will form a fresh seal against the wind and the cold, protecting the valve chamber. You will not have to worry about tearing and replacing gaskets.)
TIP
-If water is used spray cooking spray on the underside of the valve chamber cover to help release when frozen.
-To release the cover, pound on top with hand or rubber mallet.
Thrifty King CT Units be sure to fill the second groove under the entire red top.
TIP
-When replacing the red top, be sure to set water level to a place that will allow the elliptical closures to float at least 1/2"-1" below the rim. This will allow water to drain off of the side of the closure. If water accumulates at the edges, the closures will freeze closed.
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Water seal groove around valve chamber on poly units. See two pictures below for the CT Family.
Water seal groove around valve chamber on CT units
Fill the water seal groove under the red top on all CT units. |
Immersion Heater
Make sure the immersion heater is running and hot. Immersion heaters can be tested by placing them in a bucket of ice or ice/water.
Immersion heaters are intended to be removed during the warm months. If your heater has been immersed in the water throughout the year, remove the heater and clean thoroughly. Remove any build up that may have accumulated.
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Above:Immersion heater prior to 08/01/2007.
Above:New Ritchie Immersion 120V heater. Designed with an epoxy coating that prevents loss of function due to corrosion and build up.
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