Instruction Manual for
OmniFount 1, OmniFount 2, OmniFount 3, & OmniFount 5
(For parts breakdown, trouble shooting and warranty, please click here)
A. Location - Putting the fountain in a location that offers protection from the wind will enhance the performance of the fountain. Livestock will tend to gather in this protected area, enticing them to drink more. Access panel should be opposite of prevailing winter wind to give additional protection to the supply line.
B. Water Supply Line - Horizontal underground water line should be sized to account for pressure drop, relating to distance, and placed one foot below frost line. A one-inch vertical supply pipe is recommended. A shut-off valve should be installed under fountain to allow for easier servicing. For optimum serviceability, a stop and waste valve can be installed below frost level to drain water when unit is not in use. Vertical supply line must be centered in riser tube to provide an air space between the line and frozen ground outside of tube. Flush water supply line thoroughly before connection to fountain. Water supplies with foreign material such as sand, rust, etc. may require a filter to keep fountain valve working properly.
C. Electric Supply – It is generally most cost effective to run your electrical supply line at the same time you are trenching your for your water supply. Any electrical service must be installed and maintained by a qualified electrician.
D. Riser Tube - Install a riser tube and extend it at least one foot below frost line or down to horizontal underground water line. For optimum water line protection, use the 12” diameter insulated Ritchie Thermal Tube, part numbers and sizes are shown to the left. Tube opening must be kept clear.
NOTE: The supply line touching the riser tube is the most common cause of the supply line freezing. Do not surround the supply line with insulation, wood, or other foreign material. Any foreign material in the tube may cause frost to migrate to the supply line causing it to freeze.
E. Mounting Platform - A concrete platform must be provided for all fountains. Use a minimum of 4” thick, (6” recommended thickness), large enough to accommodate fountain, and additional 4” step (on top of the platform) extending 18” out from each side of the unit. This will protect the unit from manure handling equipment, as well as discouraging animals from defecating in the fountain. Extending the platform provides animals a place to stand while drinking, consider the size of your animals when determining the dimensions of your platform. The concrete step and platform should slope away from the fountain for drainage. A rough broom finish to concrete surface provides better footing for livestock.
F. Hose Connection - Connect hose fitting to shut-off valve at top of concrete. Slip on barb fitting with furnished clamps. Hose should not touch insulation or outside surface of fountain. Place the hose under the fountain as you move the unit in place over the riser tube.
G. Anchoring Fountain – OmniFount 1 is provided with 3 hold-down pockets to anchor you unit securely to the concrete. OmniFount 2 & OmniFount 3 are provided with four hold-down pockets and the OmniFount 5 has 6 molded hold-down pockets. The use of 3/8” x 5” stainless steel expansion anchor bolts (not included) is recommended. Anchor bolts are available from Ritchie in a two pack, part #16555. Use an all-weather sealant under the outside edge when anchoring to concrete to keep air from leaking under fountain. Remove the side access panel to prepare for the remainder of the installation process.
H. Valve Assembly for Omni 3 & 5 Only – The valve assembly can be put together before proceeding. The following instructions apply to the OmniFount 3 & 5 only (Omni 1 & 2 are pre-assembled)
Install standpipe into hole in trough. Rubber washer is to be on inside of trough. Tighten nut hand tight to allow for adjustment after valve assembly is installed.
- Feed hose up through standpipe and attach to valve bracket. The hose may be shortened if necessary. Tighten the hose clamp securely to prevent leaks.
- The lower front peg on valve bracket should be inserted into hole on standpipe first. Compress valve clip to snap in opposite hole on standpipe.
- Remove pin from valve assembly.
- Install float assembly on valve assembly using previously removed pin. Float arm should be on the bottom side of float as shown.
- Rotate standpipe in trough until center of float aligns with center of trough. DO NOT allow float to be too close to cover when installed as this may hamper valve performance.
- Tighten standpipe nut hand tight plus one-quarter turn. Use no joint compound for this fitting.
I. Final Water Connection– Connect the top of the supplied hose to the valve, cut hose to proper length and slip onto the barb fitting of the valve assembly. Clamps and fittings are furnished to secure the connection.
J. Cable Heater – Uncoil cable heater and loop around the valve. Attach the remaining part of the cable heater to the water supply, as far down the riser tube as possible with the cable twist ties provided. This heater is water tight, but should not be immersed in water.
CAUTION: Installation must not cause any strain on heater wiring connections. Do not cross the cable over itself along the water line. Avoid heater damage caused by hot spots due to its leads lying close to each other. Also, do not wrap additional insulation around heater.
K. Electrical Connection - The electrical installation should be made and maintained by a qualified electrician conforming to national and local codes. The 3-wire power to the fountain must be protected by a suitable fuse or circuit breaker with properly sized wire. For wiring connections, see wiring diagram. Wire nuts may be used for the 120-volt and neutral splices.
Wiring Diagram for units built before 2008
Wiring Diagrams for units built since 2008
NOTE: National/Local electrical codes may require livestock waterers installed in feedlots in open feeding area to be grounded by a separate stranded copper grounding conductor or at least no.6 AWG terminating at a point where the branch circuit receives its supply. Check with local authorities.
WARNING: This installation must be made and maintained in strict conformity with National/Local plumbing codes and National/Local electrical codes (CSA in Canada). The applicable provisions of these codes take precedent. Failure to make and maintain all installations properly may result in loss of livestock, personal Injury, or death.
L. Fenwal Thermostat – (Omni Fount 3 and 5) The adjustable range is from 0°. F (-18° C) to 100° F (38° C). Thermostat is not preset at factory. Fill the trough to proper water level. Check the water temperature with a thermometer. The next morning, check the water temperature again. If the water is warmer than desired, turn the thermostat down. If there is ice forming on the surface of the water, turn the thermostat up. Only slight adjustments should be made to the thermostat at any time. A 1/16 turn on the thermostat will change the water temp. 7° F (4° C). 44° F (7° C) in the trough represents the most economical operation. Counter clockwise raises the thermostat setting.
M. Disc Thermostat – (Omni Fount 1 and 2) The disc thermostat is mounted in a bracket under the trough, which allows it to be moved relative to the heater. To ease movement of thermostat turn ¼ turn. To lock in position after adjustment turn ¼ turn back. As the thermostat is moved toward the heater, the water temperature in the trough is lowered. The best location is determined by checking the trough temperature several times during the heating season.
N. Final Water Connection for the Omni 1 and Omni 2 only – Connect the top of the supplied hose to the valve, cut hose to proper length and slip onto the barb fitting of the valve assembly. Clamps and fittings are furnished to secure the connection. (This connection was already made in step “H” for the Omni 3 and 5.)
O. Drain Plug – Insert the drain plug firmly into the drain hole in the center of the trough.
P. Float Adjustment – Open water-supply shut-off valve, check for and fix any leaks. Adjust float for a water depth of 2 inches below top of trough or overflow pipe by adjusting the thumbscrew or wingnut.
Q. Install Side Access Panel and Cover – Once all water line connections have been checked for leaks and electrical hook-up is complete, the side access door may be installed. With the valve functioning properly and the water level set at the proper level, you may install the valve cover.
R. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance – This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instructions concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
S. Valve Cover and Frame – (Omni Fount 3 & 5) Before installing the valve chamber frame the weather seal must be installed on the frame (see picture below). The seal is installed by removing the paper backing from the adhesive side and then starting at the midpoint of the frame leg attach the seal to the frame. Work your way around the frame with the seal as close to the edge as possible and then up the other leg to the halfway point. At this time cut any extra foam seal as needed then repeat for other side.
Ritchie Valves
Ritchie valves come in two sizes and four pressure ratings - green for high supply line pressure, red for moderate supply pressure, and white for low-pressure applications. Differences in the size of trough also impacts valve choice. Although different pressure rated valves may be used in a fountain, each fountain will only accommodate one size and configuration of valve. If water pressure is very high, and if the valve does not shut off, a pressure-reducing valve may be needed. Your individual situations may require a change from the standard valve supplied with your fountain, see your Ritchie Dealer if this is needed. (To locate a Distributor for your State, visit our Distributor Map)
NOTE: The red ½” valve is standard on the Omni Fount 1 and 2 and the green ¾” valve is standard on the Omni Fount 3 and 5.
