Setting Up a Stock Water Trough and Float Valve
A trough that fills reliably and doesn't overflow. Here is how to set it up.
A trough with a float valve tops itself up from a tank or line. Get the placement and valve right and it looks after itself.
1. Placement
- Level, firm ground. A concrete pad or gravel stops it turning into a bog.
- Away from fences stock could push it against, and out of corners where animals get trapped.
- Somewhere you can see it from the track.
2. Match the valve to the pressure
Float valves come in low-pressure (gravity) and high-pressure types. A high-pressure valve on a gravity line fills very slowly. A low-pressure valve on a pumped line may leak or fail. Check the maker's pressure range.
3. Protect the valve
Use a cover or guard so stock can't knock or chew the float.
4. Check it often
- Look for leaks and overflow.
- Clean out algae and sludge.
- In hot weather animals drink much more. Check daily.
5. Quick summary
- Level, firm site, easy to see.
- Valve to suit your pressure.
- Guard the float and check it often.
General information only. Check the maker's instructions, and ask your council about approvals.
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