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. Print a check list.
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.
Verify that the water line is centered in the tube.
Learn more about Ritchie Thermal Tubes by visiting our blog
TIP - Frost travels. Anything touching the waterline and the riser tube can cause your waterline to freeze.
Watch our two Thermal Tube videos
1. Engineer Rob Amundson answers common questions about Ritchie Thermal Tubes.
2. View the Thermal Tube section of our Installation Video
Unit Base
Existing installation, check the all weather sealant along the base of the unit. Check for holes or gaps and replace the sealant if necessary.
New installations, apply an all weather sealant along the base of the unit and the concrete pad. This will help prevent wind and cold from entering below the base and will help protect the water line from freezing.
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. The cooking spray may need to be reapplied after removal.
-To release the cover, pound on top with hand or rubber mallet.
Thrifty King CT Unitsbe 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.
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 and plugging the heater into the wall.
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.
Riser tube
