Drinking Post Waterer
The Drinking Post uses the same principals as a frost-free yard hydrant. As you probably know, the standard frost-free yard hydrant doesn’t require any insulation to operate throughout the winter – same with the Drinking Post! This is one of the distinguishing factors that sets Drinking Post apart from all other waterers on the market.
A major component of a frost-free yard hydrant is a stop-and-drain valve. This valve is located below frost level, usually 2 to 3 m below the ground surface. The valve is operated by a lever or wheel that connects to it with a control rod. The control rod opens the valve allowing water to flow from the supply line, through the valve, up the riser pipe, and finally out through the head of the hydrant.
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When the valve is closed, the flow of water stops, and a drain hole in the valve opens. The water contained in the riser pipe flows out of this drain hole into a gravel bed, leaving the riser pipe completely empty and preventing ice formation.
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While there are some subtle differences between how a frost-free yard hydrant and a Drinking Post operates, the underlying concept is identical. By keeping the operating valve below your local frost line we are able to provide water at 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) to your animals year round without the use of electricity, heaters, or insulation to keep your water from freezing.
To operate the Drinking Post Waterer, a thirsty animal simply presses their nose on the paddle inside the bowl and it fills with water. When they’re done drinking and walk away, the paddle is released and all the remaining water drains away – down through the interior of the waterer and into a leach field that lies below the local frostline.
Benefits of Frost-Free Automatic Waterers that Don't Use Electricity:
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Eliminate 100% of your electric bill
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Power outage during the winter months = no freezing = no problems for you
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No potential for electric shock
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No potential for barn or structure fires caused by electricity associated with your waterers
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No chance for accidentally overheated water from an improperly adjusted heating element,
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Fresh, clean water every use
Winter Care For Livestock
Caring for horses, cattle, and livestock during the winter can be a difficult task, with the main goal of ensuring animals remain healthy. In the winter, as in any other season, animals need a combination of nutrients to remain healthy. Energy derived from feed and the resulting body heat is very important for survival. If any animal is not consuming enough water, it will eat less than it would otherwise.
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There are a number or reasons an animal will not consume an adequate amount of water during winter months, the most common being:
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Water provided is too cold to drink comfortably.
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A trough or bucket is completely frozen over.
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Water is too hot due to a malfunctioning or improperly adjusted water heating device.
It’s well documented that water should be at least 40°F. Studies show that increasing water temperature from just above freezing (icy or frozen buckets or troughs) to 40°- 65°F, will increase the amount of water consumed by 40%.
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The Drinking Post Waterer provides water at an ambient 50° Fahrenheit, ensuring there will be adequate water consumption through out the cold winter months. Perfect water temperature throughout the winter assists in promoting good health.