Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the model. Our waterers range in capacity from 1.2 to 110 gallons (4.5 to 416.4 L). Our quick-refill valves keep water fresh without needing a large trough, and fewer gallons are more efficient to heat. With more than 40 models, there’s a fit for every operation.

No. Circulating water without heat won’t prevent freezing — and it requires a constantly running pump. Some models in more temperate climates can use constant flow instead of heat, with water draining away or into a reservoir.

Ritchie waterers fill automatically when connected to a pressurized line. They use a float and valve system — just like a toilet — to keep water at the right level. See the installation guide for your waterer for more details.

No. Water is always there and ready.

Some poly units are available in green, and our Classic Equine series comes in granite. See specific product pages for details.

Most poly units have easy-access drain plugs. You simply remove the drain plug, drain, scrub with a brush, rinse and you’re done. On steel units, you’ll also need to remove the top. Check with your vet about which animal-safe cleaners they recommend for your operation.

Inside the drain hole under the red cover — under the float. Not on the outside drain tube.

In cold climates, most units are heated and require electricity. Thrifty King models can run energy-free in the right setup. We recommend running electricity to any new install so you can add heating elements later (or replace with a heated unit).

This depends on the unit, but most kick on around 45-55°F (7.2-12.8ºC) and shut off around 60-65°F (15.6-18.3ºC). Some models offer adjustable thermostats.

In freezing conditions, yes — unless you’re using a properly installed energy-free unit like Thrifty King.

Immersion heaters are warranted for one year. To increase the lifespan of your immersion heater, we recommend taking it out at the end of the heating season. Clean it and store it until the next heating season. 

Usually a bad element or connection. Both sides should feel the same. Replacing the element or fixing the connection should solve it.

No. If you think you’ll need heat down the road, choose a heated model upfront.

On a concrete pad large enough for the animals to stand on while drinking. The pad gives animals a solid footing and protects the unit. You can see and download instruction manuals here.

Ritchie automatic waterers have molded hold-down pockets located inside or outside the base of the unit. All units need to be anchored to a concrete pad using 3/8-inch stainless steel anchor bolts. Installed correctly, these waterers are built to handle years of use.

Most models are designed for permanent installation with a dedicated pressurized waterline, but a few options allow hose hookup. The Classic Equine by Ritchie EZFount has a standard garden hose hookup. The Genesis G1 and G2 use a hose adaptor package. The Genesis GC-2 uses a different hose adaptor package. These are uninsulated, non-heated waterers that can be used in permanent or temporary installs, primarily in warm climates.

Yes, with the right valve. Our white valve can be used for pressures between 5 and 40 PSI and is geared toward gravity-flow systems.

No. That voids the warranty and damages insulation. If exposed to moisture, the foam will soak it up, lose its insulation value, become waterlogged and freeze.

Usually not. Ritchie valves handle small debris well. If clogging becomes an issue, a screen is often better than a filter.

That’s the patented Ritchie water seal. The water in the grooves creates an airtight seal to prevent cold air from entering the valve chamber. Without this, we would have to use gaskets, which are proven to come apart and need replacing when exposed in the winter.

Usually, it comes down to a few common issues.

On new installs, debris in the line is often the culprit. If the line wasn’t flushed before hookup, something small can get lodged in the valve and keep it from sealing.

On older units, mineral buildup on the neoprene valve rubber can prevent a tight seal. Flipping the valve rubber or replacing it (part 15151 for ½-inch valves or 15152 for ¾-inch valves) will usually take care of the leak.

A worn or failing component, like a sinking float or a loose or stripped wing nut or thumbscrew, could also cause the unit to overflow. Swapping in new parts is a simple fix.

If everything looks good there, check your water pressure. Too much pressure can keep the valve from shutting off. In that case, switch to a high-pressure valve or install a pressure regulator ahead of the unit.

Another possibility is a water hammer. That surge can make the valve sputter and act like it’s not shutting off. A pressure regulator will help smooth that out too.

Bottom line: it’s usually a small fix. Once you find it, you’re back up and running.

Most of the time, the water level is set too high.

Even when the ball closure is sitting at the top of the drink well, there’s still room in the trough. If the water level is too high and the ball gets pushed down, that displaced water has to go somewhere — so it comes out through the water seal between the top and the base.

It can also happen if the unit isn’t sitting level, or if you’ve got a valve that’s leaking and letting the water level creep up.

Start by lowering the water level. If the problem sticks around, check that the unit is level and take a look at the valve. Replacing the valve or valve rubber is usually all it takes to fix it.

CD-50 is how some customers refer to older Ritchie models. The reference comes from the powder-coating finish called CD-50, introduced in 1972. Units had a CD-50 decal on them, so some people started calling them CD-50.  

These all-steel units have a brass serial tag on the casing, which is located directly under the trough. The top line of the serial tag contains the model number and a four-digit serial number. The serial number is a date code telling the month and year that the unit was manufactured. If you are unsure of the model number, we can usually determine the model with a description of your waterer.  Ritchie waterers are built for longevity so, in most cases, parts are readily available for older models that may be labeled with the CD-50 paint finish.

All Ritchie fountains carry a 10-year warranty. On poly units, this is five years of full warranty, with a prorated (20% per year) warranty for the last five years. Stainless steel troughs and frames carry a full (100%) warranty for 10 years. Steel casings, access panels and covers carry a prorated (10% per year) warranty for 10 years. Valves and heaters are warrantied for one year from the date of purchase. Read the full warranty here. All warranty claims must be processed at the original place of purchase.

Damage from misuse, improper install or external impact isn’t covered. See your unit’s installation guide for recommendations for the use of headrails to prevent damage caused by livestock step-throughs.