Epoxy-Coated Steel Automatic Stock Waterer

My concerns were unfounded. Great product. I read reviews and took precautionary measures such as sealing the float seam with adhesive. Hooked it up and the water level shuts off without seeping. I did not add any extra washer. I did not like the plastic female connector. Just have to be careful not to tighten it too tight. I did put on Teflon tape. I also drilled a 1" hole in the bottom to make a drain plug. Stuck a cork in it. Works great. Only thing I did not like was having to buy the Gilmour Double Female Brass Swivel Connector Thread Size 1/2" NPT (F) to 3/4" NH (F) 805574-1001 which cost another $6.55, however, its a must have. I'm in the military and was gone for 2-weeks. Dogs always had water. Purchased a Chow Hound feeder that holds a 50 lb bag and its enough food for 2 dogs (Golden Retriever & Husky) for about a month

Large commercial horse breeding farm. We've used these in two different ranches for 30+ years. Still reliable and yes you do eventually have to replace them (but usually you can get away with just replacing the float valve assemblies first) but they are good for horses. I tried other brands but gave up - they always either rusted or got destroyed/squished by horses cribbing or sitting/scratching on them.

We get about 10 years service from these. Horse, dogs, deer, birds and frogs all give it two toes (or hooves) up. Even the galvanized ones end up rusting after a few years. The epoxy coat stands up to years and years of use.

I installed this product outside my horse box, while he is outside he now can drink water whenever he wants.

I know, I know - It's somewhat cliché to use this old cowboy movie reference, but it is really most appropriate in describing this product (and my experiences with it). So let's start with... The Good: 1) As most reviewers noted, this product is INDEED very high quality and sturdy. I had heard that the galvanized one was good, but this "Epoxy-Coated" product I am 100% sure will LAST (as it will NOT rust!) - even the other [galvanized] one [see here - Miller Mfg. 88SW Automatic Stock Waterer ], I have heard will eventually rust (although I've also heard that the galvanized process greatly reduces the rusting process). 2) The Other [obvious] good, is that you'll NEVER have to fill (or, re-fill) this thing again, as it [truly] has that "auto" filling feature (although, if you have a dog, you WILL have to clean it out, now-n-then, due to all the dirt, leafs, and "slobber" that, over time, settles in the bottle of the bowl (turning off, and spraying with the hose usually does it). The Bad: There are a few NOT-SO-GOOD [bad] items that you (the buyer) should know about - 1) The size is a little smaller than the picture would imply. Only around 9 inches or so across. This is OK for dogs (or other smaller animals) but not for horses, cows, etc. 2) The hose connector WILL leak, unless you use the standard plumbers teflon tape [on the treads, on BOTH sides of the adaptor] and rubber washers, within the garden hose [on both ends and sides], and TIGHTEN it REALLY GOOD (with pliers, not just "hand" tight). 3) There was no "mounting" equipment provided to speak of. There was a little steel "bar," with two holes, that was included - but NO bolts or nuts to speak of! -- I had to "drill" two holes, in the top, just so I could use some strong Tie-Wraps to mount, to the wired mesh of/on my dog kennel. I guess I could have purchased some special bolts, nuts and "hooks" to do the same thing (a more sophisticated mounting), but Tie-Wraps did the same job (and Cheaper). The Ugly: I saved the WORST for last! That being, they [the manufacturer] not only did not supply adequate mounting, but didn't supply any HOSE ATTACHMENTS as well!! Now, in the instructions they SAY that they don't supply hose attachments because they want to let or allow you (the "customer") to decide what attachment(s) you need. This is an ENORMOUS "hassle," to have to go to the local hardware store (Lowes, Home Depot, etc.) to try to find the appropriate adapter! Regardless of this extra effort, I did NOT find this special adapter, even at Lowes or Home Depot. The adapter in question is this one ( Gilmour 1/2-Inch Brass Double Female Swivel Hose Connector 5FPS7FH ), which you can only find, at a specialized hardware place, or here on Amazon (and of course, you have to pay an EXTRA $10-15 BUCKS FOR THIS!!) This item is ALREADY expensive! - so WHY in the heck couldn't they AT LEAST provided a "standard" HOSE adapter?!? This manufacturer [Miller Manufacturing] makes OTHER waterer's - and they usually supply the standard hose adapter with them!! (I know, because I've purchase a few other of their products) - BUT WITH THIS PRODUCT, NO GO!! I also got their other "pan" waterer (see here - Ever Full Galvanized Pet Bowl, 13 Qt ), but found that my Shepherds like to "play" in the water too much (since it sits, flat, on the ground) - this [Epoxy] waterer is better because you can "mount" it higher up. So overall, I AM please with the quality of this product (regardless of my limited displeasure), BUT...I think and feel it is an "UGLY" THING to not provide good [more] mounting hardware, and the most standard hose adapter!! (especially, for the HIGH PRICE YOU ARE PAYING!!!) So if you REALLY need it, Buy It - But KNOW what you're IN for, and be ready to buy/do a little bit extra to use this product (my 2 cents :-)

I have used lots of different kinds of self waterers for our dogs but for now this one wins. The silver brothers to this waterer will rust and collect difficult to remove slime. The silver one i had before this one the float broke and it leaked water a lot. There are a few things I think that could have been designed a little better for a five star rating: 1) the 1/2 inch connector to the float is a pain in the ¥£** when trying to find fittings that will alter it to a garden hose 5/8 size...if these are truly meant to connect to a hose then why not put a hose connection so that we can limit the amount of frustrating leaks we have to deal with.. - fixable but the most frustrating thing about all of these self waterers I have used. 2) the mounting holes are difficult to make work when attaching to a kennel or a fence. It would be nice to have mounting "hooks" to hang the waterer from a kennel or fence - but alas, it is also the same with all the other waterers. 3) my final complaint about these things in general is that they don't have a drain of any kind. It would be nice to have a valve drain (not one you have to stick your hand into the water for) on the bottom to clean out the dirt and debris that collects - but it's easy enough to slosh the water out of these I suppose. In all an excellent product, well made solid metal with protective coating; and a product I couldn't do without. Definitely the best out there right now but when/if any of the above are added to a future model I will purchase that model instead.

I actually found this as a livestock waterer but am using it for a German Shepherd dog. I think it is a great size for a large breed dog and would recommend it very highly over other "dog" watering dishes. I have had two other types prior to this one and this one is the best one so far. I have had no problem with it and have used it for over a month now. I would have to agree that if you want this for a horse or cattle, it would be to small for the noses to work properly.

Works great for our outdoor hogs. We mounted it to a 2x6 about 18" off the ground and they can access it easily. The only thing i wished was different was that it swivelled for easy dump/cleaning.