Instruction Manual for
Thrifty King
CT Series Fountains
CT1-2000, CT2-2000, CT4-2000, & CT6
(For Parts breakdown, Trouble shooting and Warranty please click here)
Watch our online installation video.
Thrifty King fountains are intended to be energy free, however, a number of factors must be met for this to be the case:
- There must be at least 10 animals that have the Thrifty King fountain as their only source of water.
- There must be a good seal against wind between the concrete platform and base of the unit.
- The water seal grooves between the base, and top of the unit, and between the top of the unit and the valve cover must be filled with liquid.
- The supply water temperature must be at least 42°F. (This may be an issue for rural or municipal water supplies.)
If these factors are not met, supplemental heat is recommended. Please see Supplemental Heat in the Special Situations section of this manual.
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. If possible, the side that supply line enters the fountain should be opposite of prevailing winter wind to give additional protection to the supply line.
B. Water Supply Line - The horizontal underground water line (#1) should be sized to account for pressure drop, relating to distance, at least ¾” in diameter (1” recommended) and 1’ below normal frost depth. A 3/4” (1” recommended) vertical supply pipe (#2) is recommended for Thrifty King units. A shut-off valve (#3) may be installed under the fountain for easier servicing. For optimum serviceability a stop and waste valve can be installed below frost level to drain water back when unit is not in use. Flush water supply line thoroughly before connecting to fountain.
C. Riser Tube - Install a riser tube (#4) around pipe to provide room for plumbing and to accommodate optional shut-off valve. Ensure that the water supply line is centered in the riser tube. Do not add any insulation in the riser tube, as it provides a path for frost. For optimum water line protection, use the 12” outside diameter insulated Ritchie Thermal Tube. Use whatever combination of Thermal Tubes is required to reach at least 1' below frost line. Learn more about the thermal tube.
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. Use only the foam hose insulation provided around the supply line. Any foreign material in the tube may cause frost to migrate to the supply line causing it to freeze.
D. Electrical Connection (Optional) - Although Thrifty King fountains are designed to be electric free, there are circumstances where supplemental heat (see page 4) may be required. If electricity is available, it is a good management decision to run the electrical line for future use in the event your operation changes and no longer meets the requirements for electric free. The electrical installation should be made and maintained by qualified electrician conforming to national and local codes.
E. Mounting Platform - A concrete platform should be provided for all fountains. It should be at least 4” thick, 6” recommended thickness, and large enough to accommodate the fountain. An additional 4” high step 18” out from each side of the unit 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. Slope the platform away from the fountain for drainage. A rough broom finish on the concrete surface provides better footing for animals.
F. Preparing the Bottom - Apply the foam weather stripping to the bottom of the unit, around the outside edge of the fountain. Use additional foam weather stripping provided to create a seal between the outside edge of the riser tube and access opening on the bottom of the fountain. Apply foam around the opening in the base. You may choose to apply a double layer of foam since it is recessed relative to where you applied the foam around the outside edge of the fountain.
G. Hold-Downs - Thrifty King Fountains have mounting pockets molded into the base. Use of Ritchie stainless steel anchor bolts (not included) is recommended for concrete installations. Anchor bolts are available from Ritchie in packages of two, part #16555.
H. Position Fountain - Connect hose to the top of the supply line, or the customer supplied shutoff valve at the top of the concrete. Slide foam rubber hose insulation down over the hose. Place fountain on the concrete platform over the riser tube so the supply hose is centered in riser tube. Bring the supply hose up through the access opening in bottom of fountain - cut the hose to the length required to connect to the valve.
NOTE: Unit should be level to insure proper operation.
I. Hose Connection - Slip the end of the hose onto the barb fitting of the valve assembly. Clamps and fittings are furnished to secure the connection. Slide hose insulation up toward valve as far as possible, and fasten with nylon tie wrap. The insulation will cover part of the valve when properly positioned.
J. Drain Plug – The pre-assembled drain plugs should go on the lower holes on the side-wall of the unit. Install drain plugs from inside of trough. Wetting the plug can aid in proper installation.
NOTE: To drain the unit, you can push the plug from outside of the unit in to the center of the unit, instead of reaching into the water to pull the plug out. After the fountain drains, then reach in to retrieve the plug and install it from the inside.
K. Seal the Base - After the unit is completely installed, apply a bead of caulking around the base of the fountain to ensure no wind enters through the base of the unit.
NOTE: sealing the bottom of the unit from cold air is an important aspect of the unit's thermal performance.
L. Install Unit Top - Set the elliptical closures inside the unit base. Place the top of the fountain on the base and position the elliptical closures to sit in the drink wells. (Final placement will require the closures to float in the well.) Thrifty King fountains employ the water seal design. Fill the water seal groove with liquid to seal against air infiltration before assembling. Bolt the unit top down to the base using the bolts, washers, and nuts provided.
Tip: You may use vegetable oil to fill the water seal groove, or coat the inside of the groove with baking pan coating spray before filling with water to make the cover easier to remove and reinstall during freezing weather. For areas with high evaporation, using vegetable oil may be necessary.
M. Float Adjustment - Turn on water supply, check for and correct any leaks, and adjust float levels. For Thrifty King fountains, the water level should be adjusted to leave a gap of 1/2” between the elliptical closure and the rim of the water well. If the closure rests against the rim, they are more likely to freeze together. Read more about the elliptical closure.
N. Install Valve Chamber Cover - Again fill the water seal groove with liquid to seal against air infiltration before assembling. For the CT6, use the J-bolts provided to attach the valve chamber cover to the top. For all other units, drop in the valve chamber cover.
