Concrete Trough floating Valve Setup!

[Wolfpack0311]

So, I'm fixing to run a water line to our concrete cattle trough, Just looking for ideas on how to setup the Trough o Matic float valve from tractor supply (metal version) as far as connections, shutoff valves etc!

[Palmetto]

A few suggestions from years of jacking with them.

-If using PVC your gonna need a GHTxNPT adapter.

-Put a union in the riser by the trough for quick repairs.

-If you have good or high water pressure, put a tee w/nipple & cap to absorb water hammer. Water hammer can cause the float to bounce and overflow the trough.

-put some kind of cover over the float to keep them from tearing it up.

-keep an extra float valve and plenty of fittings on hand.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Wolfpack0311]

Thank you for the advice!

[Palmetto]

Here is one I did last year. I like to build up a pad for them to sit on. Helps prolong the inevitable mudhole... lol.

I made the float cover out of a lick tub. I ended up driving 2 short t-post next to the tub and wiring them to it. One of my bulls got to rubbing on it, and pushed it off. Since then it's been great!

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Wolfpack0311]

I have the same style trough and I already have the tub smart idea. Do you happen to have a pic of the valve setup Palmetto!

[fishfeeder01]

I dont know your location for the water trough, but down here in Mexico.
( laredo area ) we use galvenized from two feet under up to the trough.
this appears to minimize damage by non visa-passport travelers that we deal with. if its pvc, they can break it easily to get water, but then you run the risk of burning up your pump if you are not there all the time.

[dclifton]

Does the tank have a port in the side or bottomn? If so use a JOBE Megaflow through valve and plumb it in. IT has a ball float that hangs from a string. Ive had about 6 of them running for years with almost zero issues. The floats that hang over the top and clamp on are a pain in the but. They work but they get knocked off and most of the time you have to cut the bracket and widen it for concrete tanks. Then you have to put a cover like above or drive a pipe in the ground behind it with a shield over the top to hold it on.

[Wolfpack0311]

Bottom

[Palmetto]

I don't use the supplied clamps, and I do not support the pipe or float. Just run the pipe up next to the concrete, jump over the top, and into the trough. Put a valve at grade, then a union.

[dclifton]

Plumb it from the bottomn. Virtually zero issues and concern of freezing as thats what the port is for.

IF you want to cheat tie in to your poly line or PVC line whatever your supply is with a piece of red air hose or garden hose clamped onto barbs to go from the supply to the bottom port. or you can 90 out the bottom and put a barb and hook your poly direct to it or pvc but if it ever gets bumped and moved it will shear off..... I speak from experience...

Yes its a little harder to hook up initially but you can walk off from it after that. And if the valve ever get broken you can just screw another in from the top. I never had and issue with cows etc getting in them and breaking them yet.

[Wolfpack0311]

Thanks fellas for the tips!

[D4H]

I use Gallagher floats which are also attached to the valve in the bottom of the trough. Very few problems with this setup. The nylon string does deteriorate over the years but they are replaced with a stainless steel cable which lasts a lot longer. The one thing I do is put a heavy duty box with a cutoff for the trough and a hydrant on the pressure side to attach a hose to clean out the trough when needed. Add some goldfish to keep the trough clean. Add several 4 inch PVC pipe about 36 inches long in the trough. This gives the gold fish a place to hide when the cranes land in the trough to eat them.

[Wolfpack0311]

Finished my concrete trough setup, used a Jobe topaz float valve, ran 430ft of pvc, next project will be to clean up our small pond and put a liner and river rock and keep it full year round!

[wytex]

We use these kinds up here in the tire waterers and they work pretty well. Just replaced one.

[J-Carp]

Does the tank have a port in the side or bottomn? If so use a JOBE Megaflow through valve and plumb it in. IT has a ball float that hangs from a string. Ive had about 6 of them running for years with almost zero issues. The floats that hang over the top and clamp on are a pain in the but. They work but they get knocked off and most of the time you have to cut the bracket and widen it for concrete tanks. Then you have to put a cover like above or drive a pipe in the ground behind it with a shield over the top to hold it on.

We also have several JOBE floats. They work great and if you come through the bottom it’s a safe way to keep them safe from breakage.