What size waterer is most appropriate for your climate and application?
Identifying what size waterer is appropriate for your specific application will be determined by two factors:
-
What type of animals will use the Drinking Post Waterer?
-
What is your local frost line?
What animals will be using the Drinking Post Waterer?
All Drinking Posts are the same diameter and have the same size bowl. Depending on your specific application, you can install the Drinking Post Waterer such that the height of the unit when installed is at whatever height above ground you desire.
You want to ensure that your animals are able to reach the top of the waterer comfortably. Generally, this is the typical height of the Drinking Post Waterer above ground level once installed:
Horse Waterer |
3’ above ground level |
Cattle & Llama Waterer |
2’ above ground level |
Goat, Sheep, & Alpaca Waterer |
~ 1’ above ground level |
These recommended installation height specs are not mandatory or required to ensure proper use or operation, simply recommendations. You just need to make sure your animals can comfortably access the top of the waterer. Please note, most prefer to install at the recommended heights to help keep unwanted hoofs and manure out of the waterer.
Your Local Frost Line
The frost line is the maximum depth that the ground will freeze to in the winter. Proper installation requires that the deepest point of The Drinking Post be installed a MINIMUM of 18″ below your local frost line to prevent freezing in the winter.
What is the frost line in my local area?
There are few avenues one can use to determine the frost line in your local area:
1.) Contact your local Building Department
2.) Contact your counties Water Department
3.) Any reputable local excavator will be able to quickly tell you what the frost line is in your local area.
You can also view this frost line maps below to get a general idea as to what depth your frost line might be. Please note, these maps are meant to serve solely as a general guide.
DO NOT USE THESE MAPS TO DETERMINE YOUR EXACT LOCAL FROST LINE DEPTH.
As you can see, these maps themselves show different frost line depth data. Becuase of this you need to follow one of avenues outlined above to obtain accurate frost line depth information for your exact location.
It is possible the website for you local municipalities (Water or Building department) may list this information online too.
Once you determine your local frost line depth and your desired height above ground when installed, use the graph below to determine what size waterer will be best for your needs.
.jpg)