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Trouble Shooting

Problem	Solution
Water in Trough Too Warm (Stainless Steel Units)	-Adjust thermostat to lower temperature. -Check to see if thermostat has failed by contacts burning closed.
Ice in Trough	-Check fuses or circuit breakers. -Check all heating elements to make sure they are working and hot. -Check that heaters are wired properly. Stainless Steel Units -Check for voltage from thermostat output. -Check voltage after thermostat to fountain with and without electrical load. -Adjust thermostat to higher temperature (move away from heater) Poly Units -Make sure water seal groove is filled with liquid (Poly Units)
Water Freezing in the Valve or Supply Line	-Check that cable heater is installed properly and fastened to water supply line and is working and hot. -Check for air gaps for wind penetrations. Make sure the fountain is sealed from wind between the concrete platform and bottom of casing or unit. -Make sure supply line is properly installed: •  Riser tube with supply line centered, and there is air space between riser tube and supply line. Ritchie Thermal Tubes are recommended as they have optimum inside and outside diameter to maximize insulation. •  Horizontal supply line is at least 1 foot below frost line. -Check that flexible hose does not touch side of casing or frame. Stainless Steel Units -Check for missing or damaged insulation. Poly Units -Make sure water seal groove is filled with liquid.
Water Freezing in the Valve, Supply Line, or Drink Area (Thrifty Kings)	-Make sure there are at least 10 animals drinking from only this fountain. (No other source of water available.)   -Make sure incoming water is at least 42F   -Make sure supply line is properly insulated: •  Foam rubber insulation around supply line. •  Riser tube with supply line centered, and air space between riser tube and supply line. Ritchie Thermal Tubes are recommended. •  Horizontal supply line is at least 1 foot below frost line.  -Make sure both water seal grooves are filled with liquid.
Valve won't stop dripping or shut off	-Check float adjustment. Check for waterlogged float, or float rubbing on side of valve compartment. Ensure float moves freely.   -Disassemble valve and check for sand or scale in valve rubber. Also check valve orifice outlet for wear and damage. A screen or filter my be required with sandy or scaly water. Turn valve rubber over and re-assemble.    Check for excessive water system pressure (greater than 60 psi), if needed change to a higher pressure valve.   City water situations FACTS -1. City water pressure tends to be high, generally higher than what the installed valve is rated for. 2. City water pressure tends to fluctuate, lower during the day and higher at night. Construction in your area can also create fluctuations. SOLUTION -Know what your water pressure is. Most Ritchie ground mounted waterers come standard with a valve that is rated for 40-60 PSI. Stall Founts and some Thrifty Kings have a rating for 60+ PSI. Purchase the valve the accomodates your water pressure. In many cases a pressure regulator will need to be installed on the waterline. We recommend a brass regulator that is commonly found in the camping section of your local supercenter or camping supply store. This will help maintain a steady pressure and help eliminate drips in the valve. Be sure to adjust the regulator to a pressure that is accomodated by the valve.
Low water flow	-Check that valve inlet is not plugged or supply hose is not kinked. -Check system pressure from supply hose by installing a tee and a pressure gauge directly in front of the valve to check pressure drop when valve is open. A severe pressure drop indicates a restriction or undersized supply system. -Check that shutoff valves are fully open.
Elliptical Closure Sticking (Thrifty King CT Units)	Make sure the closure floats at least ½” below the rim of the water well so water does not get trapped above the closure and freeze the closure to the rim of the well.