INSTALLATION SUPPORT

The best place for your waterer depends on your unique operation. However, a few guidelines can help you narrow down your options:

• The area should be level and have good drainage. 
• The waterer should be placed to minimize walking distance for animals. 
• Avoid areas that would cause crowding among your animals. 
• Make sure the location is easily accessible for maintenance and cleaning. 

Yes, a lot of operations place their waterers along fence lines. It can help water animals in two lots at once, driving efficiency. Your Ritchie dealer can help you select the right model for this layout type and your operation.

You’ll need both a horizontal and a vertical water supply line with a minimum diameter of 3/4-inch. However, we recommend a 1-inch (2.54-cm) diameter. A shut-off valve may be installed under the fountain for easier servicing.

Bury the horizontal water supply line 4 feet (1.2 m) deep or 1 foot (.3 m) below the normal frost line depth, whichever is deeper. This will ensure your animals get warmer water in the winter and cooler water during the summer. 

Ritchie thermal tubes are vertical water supply line protectors designed to prevent freezing. They offer optimum water supply line protection for your livestock waterers. 

The tubes are available in three lengths and come in the most favorable diameters to maintain temperature in the water line. Center the vertical water supply line in the tubes. Do not add insulation inside the tubes because that can provide a path for frost. The tubes should reach at least a foot (.3 m) below the normal frost line.

The electrical installation should be made and maintained by a qualified electrician and conform to national and local codes. A means for disconnection must be incorporated in the fixed wiring in accordance with the wiring rules.

Install grounding rod according to national and local electrical codes for livestock waterers installed in feedlots and open feeding areas. Ground the waterers with a separate stranded copper grounding conductor of at least no.6 AWG for installations in the United States.

Also in the US, the installation of an equipotential plane is required by NEC in newly constructed livestock confinement areas. Most states have adopted the NEC. Check with the state electrical inspector for any questions. 

To make the most of your waterer placement, pour a concrete mounting platform that provides a step that’s 4- to 6-inches (10.16- to 15.24-cm) thick and 18 inches (45.72 cm) wider than the perimeter of your unit. For larger operations, we recommend pouring a concrete pad large enough for the drinking animal to stand on completely. Either way, the concrete pad needs to be level for optimal operation. 

You can also pour an additional concrete extension that slopes away from the unit on all sides to improve footing and support proper drainage.  

Fountain anchor location varies by model. You’ll fasten your waterer to the concrete mounting platform with stainless steel anchor bolts using all anchor locations provided on the fountain. Use the actual fountain being installed as the template for anchor bolt placement.