WaterMaster fountains are designed to allow for constant flow installation and use; however, if you choose not to constant flow, you may need to use supplemental heat. Please see Supplemental Heat in the Special Situations section of this manual for specific recommendations.

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 3/4” (1” recommended) in diameter and 1’ below normal frost depth. A 3/4” (1” recommended) vertical supply pipe (#2) is recommended for WaterMaster 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. A shutoff valve or stop and waste valve can be obtained from your local plumber. 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.

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.

D. Electrical Connection (Optional): Although WaterMaster fountains will not require supplemental heat when using constant flow, there are circumstances where supplemental heat 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 you choose not to constant flow. Any electrical service must be installed and maintained by a qualified electrician in compliance with local codes.

E. Mounting Platform – A concrete platform should be provided for all fountains. It should be at least 4” thick and large enough to accommodate 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.

G. Position Fountain - Connect hose to the top of the supply line, or the customer supplied shutoff valve at the top of the concrete. Place fountain on the concrete platform over the riser tube so the supply hose is centered in riser tube. Set the fountain on the concrete pad to inspect positioning of the installation.

Take this opportunity to check to see that the constant flow drain will align properly with the drainpipe in the ground. (Some replacement installations may require additional fittings and elbows.)

Once all connections are lined up, marking anchor bolt location can easily be done with a drill.

H. Hold-Downs - WaterMaster 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 any Ritchie authorized dealer, in packages of two, part # 16555.

Once you have verified the positioning of the fountain, drill, install, and tighten down anchor bolts. Use the large washers provided to hold unit down. Tighten hold down anchors tight, but do not over tighten as this could damage the plastic feet.

I. Valve Mounting – After fountain is in proper place, cut hose to proper length and connect to valve bracket with hose clamp. Place the valve assembly in the slot provided in the wall of the valve chamber and tighten nut. Connect the float to the valve with pin provided. The needle valve outlet on WM54, 54D, 90, & 96 has compression fitting to connect the plastic tubing for the water trainer. The other end of the tubing should be pushed tight into the hole provided in the wall of the valve compartment. The needle valve can be opened as desired to provide constant water flow, either to prevent freezing or to insure fresh water at all times in hot weather. The red plastic plug is to be used to plug the water trainer hole when not needed. A valve chamber plug is provided for the hole in the bottom of the valve compartment, (when the valve is not an underwater installation).

J. Overflow Piping – With this constant flow fountain, overflow piping must be provided to remove the excess water from the fountain area. An end access opening is provided to aid in connecting drain piping from the overflow. A PVC pipe adapter is provided for the overflow connection. (See first drawing)

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. Drain Plug –Install pre-assembled plugs from the inside of the trough. Wetting the plug can aid in installation.

M. Float Adjustment - Turn on water supply, check for and correct any leaks, and adjust float levels. For WaterMaster fountains, the depth should be one inch below the overflow drain for non-constant flow operation, or to your desired level for constant flow.

N. Access Covers – The access covers for the fountain require a self-adhesive seal strip to be applied around the cover. The foam adhesive requires a 24-hour cure time; so after placing on cover, install in the base to hold it in place. Do not over tighten bolt.

O. Water Seal Drain – For models WM 54, WM 90, WM 96, and WM 1200 install the small drain plug into the drain hole in the water seal trough around the valve chamber seal. This plug may be removed during non-freezing periods to allow water seal to drain.

P. Install Valve Chamber Cover - Fill the water seal groove with liquid to seal against air infiltration before assembling. Drop in the valve chamber cover. Note: Serial number or date code is found on underneath side of top red valve cover.

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.

18355

16542

16467

18007

18171

18053

22/55.9

22/55.9

22/55.9

22/55.9

24/61

24/61

28/71

28/71

28/71

28/71

28.5/72

28.5/72

33/84

33/83.8

33/83.8

33/83.8

24/61

24/61

54/137

54/137.2

90/228.6

96/244

72/182.9

144/365.8

125/57

125/56.3

180/81

200/90

140/63

250/113

54/204

18/68.1

30/113.6

75/283.9

28/106

60/277

200 beef,
100 dairy

200 beef,
100 dairy

300 beef,
150 dairy

300 beef,
150 dairy

250 beef,
125 dairy

500 beef,
250 dairy

Constant flow

Parts breakdown, Trouble shooting, and Warranty

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WaterMaster 1200
Parts breakdown

WaterMaster 600
Parts breakdown

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