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Cold Weather Preparation for Units with a poly base and stainless steel trough

CattleMaster Series
OmniFount Series

    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.

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.
  • Verify the waterline is centered 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.

     

    Unit Base

  • If not already done, apply an all weather sealant along the base of the unit and the concrete pad.
  • Check area where trough meets the poly base. Seal any gaps that may allow air penetration with an all weather sealant.
  • base and poly unit

    checkWater seal groove

  • 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.

  • ct waterseal groove
    Water seal groove around valve chamber.



    checkElectric Supply

  • Verify fuses or circuit breakers are functioning
  • Check all heating elements to make sure they are working and hot. This can be done by either placing ice or ice water in the trough of the unit.
  • Check that cable heater is installed properly, is uncoiled and fastened around the valve and fastened to the water supply line.