If you’re familiar with how a frost-free yard hydrant works, then you already understand how the Drinking Post works. The Drinking Post functions and installs like a frost-free hydrant. And, like a hydrant, it can function in winter temperatures (as low as -50 F/-45.5 C) without any auxiliary heaters, electricity, or insulation!
Watering Simplified.
Drinking Post is an automatic frost-free waterer. The bowl fills with fresh water each time the paddle is pushed, and all the water drains away when the paddle is released. The base of the Post sits 18″ below the frostline and connects directly to a pressurized waterline. The Drinking Post functions and installs like a frost-free hydrant. Watch the video below for a quick overview on how the Drinking Post works.
How it Works:
No Standing Water
When selecting a watering method for your horses and livestock, you should always consider if there’s standing water above the frostline. Most watering methods have a reservoir of standing water – think of a tough, tank, bucket, or standard auto waterer. This reservoir is either refilled manually (like with a trough), or automatically (like with a typical auto waterer). This reservoir is the cause of most watering issues! Here are just a few:
A reservoir of standing water will….
- freeze if it’s not heated
- get dirty and require constant cleaning
- grow algae
- attract bugs like flys and mosquitos (which carry West Nile virus)
- harbor dangerous water-borne illnesses
Drinking Post circumvents all these issues because there is no standing water. The Post fills and drains with each use, so the water is always fresh and clean and there’s never standing water above the frost line!
The Drinking Post circumvents all these issues because there is no standing water. The Drinking Post has an empty bowl with a paddle that the animal will push. When the paddle is pushed, fresh water fills the bowl. When the paddle is released, all the water drains away, leaving the unit empty. Since the unit is completely empty when it’s not in use, there’s no water in there that can freeze, grow algae, get dirty, etc. This is a very similar concept to a frost-free hydrant.
Works Like a Hydrant
Frost-Free Hydrant
Like a traditional frost-free hydrant, the Drinking Post fills and drains with each use. All the water comes up from below the frostline and drains back down below the frostline after each use. The Drinking Post also installs like a frost-free hydrant, so any outdoor plumber or excavator can easily perform the installation. They can apply their knowledge of hydrants directly to the Drinking Post.
Stop-and-Drain Valve
A major component of both the yard hydrant and the Drinking Post is a stop-and-drain valve.
- This valve is located 18″ below the local frostline.
- The paddle presses down on an activation rod which opens the valve.
- Your water pressure is what actuates the valve (you need 25-65 PSI).
- The valve can be easily accessed above ground for maintenance.
When the animal releases the paddle, the stop-and-drain valve allows the water to drain away. It drains into a leach field below the Drinking Post, leaving it empty of water and preventing freezing.
Just Push the Paddle!
To operate the Drinking Post, a thirsty animal simply pushes the paddle with their nose.
- When the paddle is pushed, water will begin to fill the bowl immediately.
- The bowl will fill in 5-10 seconds and will drain in under a minute.
- Each Post will come with a Training Attachment that clips to the standard flat paddle.
- There are different paddle attachments for different species.
- The paddle has a set screw for easy paddle adjustment.
Once the Drinking Post is properly installed, you’ll affix the Training Attachment to the paddle and teach your animals to use the Post. Please see our Training Guide for more specifics on training.
Installation is very important.
Proper installation is crucial! You will get an Installation Guide in your Drinking Post box, be sure you read it carefully and follow all the instructions.
- Installation is easy, any outdoor plumber or excavator can do it.
- Many of our Dealers also offer installation.
- It’s common for customers install their own Drinking Posts if they have access to digging equipment.
- The Post will connect directly to a pressurized waterline.
- Drinking Post installation is very similar to installing a frost-free hydrant.
The two most important parts of installation are: (1) making sure the base is deep enough (at least 18″ below the frostline), and (2) making sure the leach field is big enough (at least 3′ x 3′ x 1′ deep).
The benefits of auto waterers that don't use electricity
- Eliminate 100% of your electric bill
- No potential for electric shock
- No potential for barn or structure fires caused by heaters
- No chance for accidentally overheated water from an improperly adjusted heating element.
Winter Benefits
Winter watering can be difficult and expensive. The Drinking Post makes winter watering cheap and easy! It stays frost-free all winter long without any electricity! It’s been tested in temps as low as -50 F/-45.6 C!
