May 22, 2014
OmniFount spring maintenance
After a long brutal winter, warmer temperatures seem to be here to stay. General cleaning and maintenance to your Ritchie OmniFount waterer will keep the waterer functioning for your animals throughout the summer.
Cleaning
The cold weather often prevents a cleaning so a good cleaning may be necessary. Elbow grease is usually all that is needed however should you prefer to use a cleaning product, animal safe cleaners can be used without worry of damaging the waterer. Please contact your local Veterinarian for their recommendations on animal safe cleaners.
Ritchie recommends cleaning your waterer every 3 days or as needed to prevent algae formation or mosquito larvae development. Maintenance cleaning should only take a couple minutes as shown in our video below.
Heaters and Thermostat
Units that come standard with heat such as the Omni 1, do not need additional maintenance to the heating system. You may choose to turn the electric source off to the unit, just remember to turn the electric back on in the fall.
Ritchie Valve
The valve in your Omni 1 maintains a constant supply of water to your trough. If your valve is functioning as expected, no additional maintenance is needed.
Valve Troubleshooting
Normal usage or a build-up of deposits may cause the valve to drip. If you notice a drip in your valve, follow the steps below.
1. If you notice a drip in your valve, begin by flipping over or changing the valve rubber, part number 15151. Video Tutorial.
2. Changing the valve in your waterer may also be needed. For more information on the 1/2″ valve series, click here.