1. No water or too little water flow
Possible reasons:
Insufficient water source pressure (such as pump failure, improper water pressure regulation).
Pipeline blockage (scale, impurities, algae deposition).
Nipple or float valve stuck (rust, dirt accumulation).
Water pipes freeze in winter.
resolvent:
Check the water source: Confirm that the water valve is open and the water pressure is normal (recommended 0.1~0.3Bar).
Clearing blockages: Remove the drinking bowl and use a fine needle to unclog the nipple or flush the pipe.
Antifreeze treatment: Install insulation sleeves or heating devices in winter to avoid freezing.
2. Continuous dripping or leaking water
Possible reasons:
Improper or damaged float valve adjustment (unable to fully close).
The sealing ring of the nipple water dispenser is aging or worn.
Loose pipeline interface and poor sealing.
resolvent:
Adjust the float ball: Bend the float rod or replace it with a new float ball. After confirming that the water level is normal, all floats can be closed.
Replace seals: If there is water leakage at the nipple or interface, replace the O-ring or gasket.
Tighten the interface: Wrap the threaded part with raw material tape and tighten the pipeline connection again.
3. Unstable water level in the drinking bowl
Possible reasons:
Water pressure fluctuations (such as intermittent operation of water pumps).
The float valve has poor sensitivity (delayed response).
Multiple chickens drinking water at the same time leads to instantaneous water shortage.
resolvent:
Stable water pressure: Install a stabilizing valve or increase the height of the water tank (gravity water supply is stable).
Replace the sensitive float ball: choose stainless steel float ball to reduce jamming.
Increase drinking water points: To avoid crowded chicken flocks, provide one drinking bowl for every 10-15 chickens.
4. Chickens do not know how to use (nipple style)
Possible reasons:
Chicks are not adapted and do not know how to peck at nipples.
Poor nipple discharge (low water pressure or blockage).
The installation height is not suitable (chicks cannot reach it).
resolvent:
Guiding training: Gently press the nipple to let the water flow down, attracting chickens to peck at it; Or wet the chicken beak to guide.
Adjust height: The height of the chick's nipple should be level with the eyes (about 5-8cm), and for adult chickens it should be 10-15 cm.
Check water output: Confirm that the nipple can be lightly touched to release water (can be adjusted to drip to aid learning).
5. Water pollution or algae growth
Possible reasons:
Open design (such as float bowl) is prone to falling into feed and feces.
Long term uncleaned, algae grows on the inner wall of the water pipe.
The water source itself is not clean (such as unfiltered pond water).
resolvent:
Regular cleaning: Clean the water bowl with a soft brush every week, and use 0.1% potassium permanganate every month, depending on the actual situation of the main pipeline.
Switch to closed type: Replace nipple or cup type water dispensers to reduce the risk of contamination.
Filter water source: Install sand filters or UV filters based on actual equipment.
6. Rusting of metal parts
Possible reasons:
Poor quality iron floating balls or brackets are exposed to water for a long time.
The acidic water quality accelerates corrosion.
resolvent:
Material replacement: Choose 304 stainless steel or grade plastic components.
Rust removal treatment: Soak the rusted area in white vinegar, scrub it, and apply edible oil for rust prevention.
7. Winter icing problem
Possible reasons:
Freezing of water pipes or drinking bowls in low-temperature environments.
resolvent:
Heating measures: Install a constant temperature heating base or wrap the pipeline with a heating strip.
Insulation layer: wrap the water pipe with foam pipe, and cover the drinking bowl with insulation cover.
Intermittent water flow: Slightly open the water valve at night to allow water to flow and prevent freezing (waterproofing is required (based on actual reports).
Troubleshooting flowchart
Check the water source → Is the water pressure normal? Is the valve open?
Observation phenomenon → no water, leakage, unstable water level?
Targeted treatment → cleaning/replacing parts/adjusting height/antifreeze, etc.
Preventive maintenance recommendations
Daily: Check if the water flow is normal and remove visible dirt.
Weekly: Disassemble and clean the drinking bowl, check the sealing.
Monthly: Based on actual pipelines, inspect rusted or aged components.
By regular maintenance and proper operation, the failure rate can be significantly reduced, and it can be confirmed that the chicken flock's drinking water is safe and stable!
