How to Install
GETTING STARTED
Before we get started, please know that these installation instructions are only intended to be used with the Columbus Aqua horizontal/side mount chicken nipples which are made in Denmark. The duplicates on the market now are made in China and do not conform to the same standards as Columbus Aqua (more on that in Troubleshooting) and their specifications vary widely.
CHOOSING A CONTAINER
Columbus Aqua poultry nipples can be installed in nearly any plastic container, including PVC pipe, buckets, 55 gallon drums, juice containers, etc..
Nipples are intended to be mounted on the side of a container, not on the bottom (like the vertical nipples). This allows the bucket to be placed on a block, instead of being suspended.
BUCKET OR CONTAINER INSTALLATION
- Install 1 nipple for every 6-8 birds (or 1 per 3-4 birds in hot climates).
- Determine where you’d like to place the nipples on your container, and mark with a permanent marker. Holes should be no less than 1” from the bottom of the container. Use 11/32” (recommended) or ⅜” drill bit for holes.
- Screw nipples into the container approximately 80%. They should not be flush mounted. Flush mounting will result in cracked containers. Our installation tool allows nipples to be quickly screwed in with a drill.
- Drill 1-2 small breather holes in container lid to prevent a vacuum from forming.
- (Optional) Apply a small amount of aquarium silicone on threads when installing nipples. Be careful not to get silicon on metal pin or o-ring. Allow the silicone to dry completely before using. Thread seal tape/Teflon tape may also be used.
PVC INSTALLATION
- Install 1 nipple for every 6-8 birds (or 1 per 3-4 birds in hot climates).
- Use ½” or larger Schedule 40 PVC pipe. Holes must be tapped ( ⅛ x 27 NPT), or the nipples will pop out.
- Screw nipples into pipe approximately 80%. They should not be flush mounted. Flush mounting will result in cracked containers. Our installation tool allows nipples to be quickly screwed in with a drill.
- Nipples are intended to be used in a low pressure system. A pressure regulator should be used if needed, and set to no more than 5 PSI.
- (Optional) Use thread seal tape/Teflon tape during installation.
NOTE: I get a lot of questions about the tap size. Taps are sized differently than drill bits, and while the size may look funky, I promise it’s the right one!