Building A Pvc Chicken Waterer: An Easy Diy Guide

Building a PVC chicken waterer is a cost-effective way to ensure your chickens have a constant supply of fresh water. It is also a fun and fulfilling project that contributes to the welfare of your animals. The process involves using a combination of PVC pipes, couplers, adapters, and cups to create a structure that dispenses water for chickens. The waterer can be customized to fit the specific needs of your flock and the space available. It is important to consider the height and placement of the water holding tank, typically a bucket, to optimize water flow using gravity. The PVC pipes are then mounted securely, and the cups are attached to provide access to water for the chickens.

Cutting the PVC pipe

First, determine the desired length of your PVC pipe. In the example project, the pipe was cut to 48 inches, which provides a capacity of 2-3 gallons. Mark the pipe at the desired length to guide your cutting. Remember to wear protective gear, especially goggles, when cutting PVC pipe.

Next, choose an appropriate cutting tool. A compound miter saw is an excellent option for achieving clean, straight cuts. Keep the pressure steady and slow when using a miter saw to avoid chipping the pipe. Alternatively, you can use a jigsaw or a hole saw, depending on the type of cut you need to make.

When cutting the pipe, ensure that you follow basic safety precautions. It is important to work in a well-ventilated area as PVC cutting and gluing can produce strong fumes. Additionally, always wear protective gear, such as goggles and gloves, to safeguard against any debris or sharp edges.

After cutting the PVC pipe to the desired length, you will need to seal the ends. This can be done using PVC solvent or pipe glue, which will also help to waterproof the seams of your chicken waterer. Allow the glue to dry completely before proceeding to the next steps of assembling your chicken waterer.

By following these steps and taking the necessary safety precautions, you will be able to successfully cut the PVC pipe for your chicken waterer project.

Attaching the cups

Choosing the Right Cups

Select appropriate chicken watering cups that suit your flock's size. You can purchase these cups from websites like BeakTime.com, which offers BeakTime Watering Cups. Alternatively, you can opt for a simpler setup with a soda bottle and a chicken nipple.

Preparing the Cups

Before attaching the cups, ensure they are clean and dry. If your cups have threads, consider applying a small amount of superglue to the last one or two threads. This will help secure the cups and prevent chickens from tipping them over, reducing water spillage.

Now, you can begin the process of attaching the cups to the PVC pipe. Here are the steps:

• Assembly: Start by assembling the tee that will form the base of your chicken waterer. Use PVC cement to secure the 2" x 1/2" bushings into the left and right sides of the tee.
• Cleanout Adapter: Attach a cleanout adapter to the bottom opening of the tee using PVC cement. This adapter will connect to your water source or bucket.
• Joint Compound: Apply joint compound to the cleanout plug and screw it into the cleanout adapter securely.
• Cup Placement: Determine the height of your bracket and mark the spot where the top of the bracket should be. This will help you decide the placement of the watering cups.
• Cup Attachment: Attach the cups to the PVC pipe using the appropriate fittings or couplers. One method is to use cup couplers, which connect the cups to the PVC pipe. Ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions for a secure fit.
• Alignment: Make sure the cups are aligned straight and sit flat to prevent water spillage. You may need to adjust the height or angle of the cups to achieve the proper alignment.
• Testing: Once the cups are attached, fill the bucket with water and test for leaks. Check all joints and connections to ensure they are tight and ready for water.

Remember, you can adjust the height and placement of the cups to customize your chicken waterer to fit your coop and flock's needs. Always refer to the specific instructions and safety guidelines provided by the manufacturers of your chosen materials.

Securing the bucket

Firstly, determine the placement of your bucket. It should be higher in elevation than the cup waterers to allow for optimal water flow. Mark the spot where the bucket will be mounted. If your coop is movable, consider mounting the bucket to the back wall, as this will allow the waterer to move with the coop.

Next, prepare the area for mounting. If you are mounting to a wall, you may need to cut a hole in the bucket for the bulkhead union to fit snugly. You can use a saw, a jigsaw, or a hole saw to do this. Ensure the hole is the correct size for the bulkhead union to fit tightly and won't leak.

Now, it's time to attach the bucket. One method is to use bungee cords or straps to secure the bucket in place. You can also use eye bolts with bungee cords to provide extra security. Additionally, you can use pipe straps to screw the bucket into a board, ensuring it is tightly fastened and won't wobble.

Finally, test the stability of the bucket by filling it with water and checking for any leaks or instability. Ensure all joints are tight and that the bucket is firmly in place.

Remember, the key to securing the bucket is to use the appropriate tools and techniques to ensure it is firmly attached and stable, preventing any leaks or spills.

Using the right glue

When building a PVC chicken waterer, it's important to use the right glue to ensure a strong and durable bond. While there are various types of glues available, not all of them are suitable for PVC pipes and fittings. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for choosing the right glue:

Using PVC Cement:

PVC cement glue is specifically designed for bonding PVC pipes and fittings. It contains a solvent that melts the surfaces of the PVC, creating a strong weld between the pieces. This method is considered the ultimate, most permanent, and secure solution for joining PVC pipe and fittings. When using PVC cement, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for curing time to ensure a proper bond.

Primer with PVC Cement:

For an even stronger bond, you can use a primer in conjunction with PVC cement. The primer is applied to the pipe first, cleaning and exposing the surface of the PVC. Then, the PVC cement is applied, chemically welding the pieces together. While this method creates a permanent and strong connection, it's important to note that most primers are purple and may stain the pipe. Clear primers are available but can be more challenging to find.

Super Glue and Other Adhesives:

While Super Glue, Gorilla Glue, or other similar adhesives may be tempting to use, they are not recommended for PVC pipes. These types of glues are designed for porous surfaces like wood or ceramics and may not effectively bond with the smooth surface of PVC. In some cases, they may provide a temporary hold, but it will not be as durable or long-lasting as PVC cement.

Rubber Cement:

Rubber cement can be used to connect PVC pipes and fittings, but it works differently from traditional glues. Instead of creating a chemical bond, rubber cement fills the gaps between the pipe and fitting, creating an extremely tight fit. However, it's important to note that the chemicals in rubber cement can damage PVC pipes, and it may not provide a permanent solution.

When building your PVC chicken waterer, always read the instructions for your chosen glue carefully and work in a well-ventilated area. Additionally, consider using personal protective equipment, such as gloves and eye protection, when handling any adhesives or solvents.

Placing the waterer

Firstly, determine the placement of your water holding tank and the cup waterers. The water holding tank, which can be a bucket or a barrel, should be placed higher in elevation than the cup waterers to allow for optimal water flow due to gravity. Consider the number of chickens you have and the size of your flock when deciding on the placement. If you have a movable coop, you can mount the waterer on the back wall of the coop using bungee cords, making it easily movable with your coop.

When placing the cup waterers, it is recommended to spread them out to avoid crowding and help distribute chicken manure more evenly. You can place them on either side of the chicken tractor. Mark the spots where you plan to mount the PVC pipe for the waterers and prepare those areas. Ensure that the cups are straight and aligned properly to prevent water from spilling out easily.

For the water holding tank, you can use a saw to cut a hole in the bottom for the bulkhead union to fit snugly. This will allow for the flow of water from the tank to the cup waterers. Consider using a relief hole drilled near the water inlet to prevent the water nipples from being put under pressure.

Finally, mount the PVC pipe run to the desired spots using pipe straps. Secure the pipe straps with screws to ensure the PVC pipe is held securely in place. You can also use superglue for added stability. Once the PVC pipe is securely mounted, screw the cup waterers into place, fill the bucket with water, and test for any leaks.

Frequently asked questions