Ritchie Thrifty King CT Series User manual

Installation Instructions for
Thrifty King
CT Series Fountains
Congratulations, you have just purchased the finest watering
fountain on the market. This unit is built to give you excellent
service when properly installed and maintained. Please follow
instructions carefully. Read and understand all instructions
before installing
Ritchie Industries, Inc.
800-747-0222 Part # 17805
www.ritchiefount.com August 31, 2019
@RitchieWaterers

Models CT1-2000, CT2-2000, CT4-2000, & CT6-2000
Fountain Installation Instructions
Thrifty King fountains are intended to be energy-free; however, a number of factors must be met for this to be the
case:
There must be at least 10 animals that have the Thrifty King fountain as their only source of water.
There must be a good seal against wind between the concrete platform and base of the unit.
The water seal grooves between the base, and top of the unit, and between the top of the unit and the valve
cover must be filled with liquid.
The supply water temperature must be at least 42oF. (This may be an issue for rural or municipal water
supplies.)
If these factors are not met, supplemental heat is recommended. Please see Supplemental Heat in the Special
Situations section of this manual, page 5 for specific recommendations.
A. Location - Putting the fountain in a location that offers protection from the wind will enhance the
performance of the fountain. Livestock will tend to gather in this protected area, enticing them to drink more.
If possible, the side that supply line enters the fountain should be opposite of prevailing winter wind to give
additional protection to the supply line.
B. Water Supply Line -The horizontal underground water line (#1) should be sized to account for pressure
drop, relating to distance, at least ¾” in diameter (1” recommended) and 1’ below normal frost depth. A 3/4”
(1” recommended) vertical supply pipe (#2) is recommended for Thrifty King units. A shut-off valve (#3)
may be installed under the fountain for easier servicing. For optimum serviceability a stop and waste valve
can be installed below frost level to drain water back when unit is not in use. Flush water supply line
thoroughly before connecting to fountain.
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C. Riser Tube - Install a riser tube (#4) around pipe to provide room for
plumbing and to accommodate optional shut-off valve. Ensure that the
water supply line is centered in the riser tube. Top of riser tube should be
flush with top of concrete. Do not add any insulation in the riser tube, as it
provides a path for frost. For optimum water line protection, use the 12”
outside diameter insulated Ritchie Thermal Tube. Use whatever
combination of Thermal Tubes is required to reach at least 1' below frost
line.
NOTE:The supply line touching the riser tube is the most common cause of the supply line
freezing. Do not surround the supply line with insulation, wood, or other foreign material. Use only
the foam hose insulation provided around the supply line. Any foreign material in the tube may
cause frost to migrate to the supply line causing it to freeze.
D. Electrical Connection (Optional) - Although Thrifty King fountains are designed to be electric free, there are
circumstances where supplemental heat (see page 4) may be required. If electricity is available, it is a good
management decision to run the electrical line for future use in the event your operation changes and no
longer meets the requirements for electric free.
WARNING: THE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION SHOULD BE MADE AND MAINTAINED BY
QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN CONFORMING TO NATIONAL AND LOCAL CODES.
E. Mounting Platform - A concrete platform should be provided for all fountains. It should be at least 4” thick,
6” recommended thickness, and large enough to accommodate the fountain. An additional 4” high step 18”
out from each side of the unit will protect the unit from manure handling equipment, as well as discouraging
animals from defecating in the fountain. Extending the platform provides animals a place to stand while
drinking, consider the size of your animals when determining the dimensions of your platform. Slope the
platform away from the fountain for drainage. A rough broom finish on the concrete surface provides better
footing for animals.
NOTE: Fountain should be level to insure proper operation.
F. Preparing the Bottom - Apply the foam weather stripping to the bottom of the unit, around the outside edge
of the fountain.
G. Hold-Downs - Thrifty King Fountains have mounting pockets molded into the base. Use of Ritchie stainless
steel anchor bolts (not included) is recommended for concrete installations. Anchor bolts are available from
Ritchie in packages of two, part #16555.
H. Position Fountain - Connect hose to the top of the supply line, or the customer supplied shutoff valve at the
top of the concrete. Slide foam rubber hose insulation down over the hose. Place fountain on the concrete
platform over the riser tube so the supply hose is centered in riser tube. Bring the supply hose up through the
access opening in bottom of fountain - cut the hose to the length required to connect to the valve.
Ritchie Thermal Tube
Part #
Description
18158
1’ Top Section
16417
2’ Top Section
16612
4’ Top Section
16416 2’ Extension
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I. Assemble Valve - The Thrifty King CT1-2000 comes with the
valve already assembled and ready for use. Skip to the next step
for those units.
1. Insert valve rubber into the valve rubber retainer.
2. Attach float arm to float as shown in diagram. The raised
emboss on top of float should be orientated as shown.
3. Screw thumb screw into cam arm. To adjust water level,
tighten thumb screw to lower, loosen thumb screw to raise.
4. Insert the valve rubber retainer into the valve body with the
valve rubber up. Align the cam arm to the valve body and
insert first pin.
5. Align the float arm and attached float to the cam arm and
insert second pin.
J. Hose Connection - Slip the end of the hose onto the barb fitting
of the valve assembly. Clamps and fittings are furnished to
secure the connection. Slide hose insulation up toward valve as
far as possible, and fasten with nylon tie wrap. The insulation
will cover part of the valve when properly positioned.
K. Drain Plug –The pre-assembled drain plugs should go on the
lower holes on the side-wall of the unit. Install drain plugs
from inside of trough. Tighten plastic wing nut to secure plug.
NOTE:To drain the unit, you can push the plug from outside
of the unit in to the center of the unit, instead of reaching into
the water to pull the plug out. After the fountain drains, then
reach in to retrieve the plug and install it from the inside.
L. Seal the Base - After the unit is completely installed, apply a
bead of caulking around the base of the fountain to ensure no
wind enters through the base of the unit.
NOTE: Sealing the bottom of the unit from cold air is an important aspect of the unit's thermal
performance.
M. Install Unit Top - Set the elliptical closures inside the unit base. Place the top of the fountain on the base and
position the elliptical closures to sit in the drink wells. (Final placement will require the closures to float in the
well.) Thrifty King fountains employ the water seal design. Fill the water seal groove with liquid to seal
against air infiltration before assembling. Do not use foam seal in this area. Bolt the unit top down to the base
using the bolts, washers, and nuts provided.
Tip: You may use vegetable oil to fill the water seal groove, or coat the inside of the groove with
baking pan coating spray before filling with water to make the cover easier to remove and reinstall
during freezing weather. For areas with high evaporation, using vegetable oil may be necessary.
Valve Rubber
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1/2”
Part #
GPM
Pressure Range
White
12574
4.8
Low, 5-40 psi
Red (Std) 12575 3.4 Moderate, 40-60 psi
Green 13597 1.45 High, 60-80 psi
N. Float Adjustment - Turn on the water supply, check for and correct any leaks, and adjust float levels. The
water level should be adjusted to leave a gap of 1/2” between the elliptical closure and the rim of the water
well. If the closure rests against the rim, they are more likely to freeze together.
O. Water Seal Drain – Install the small drain plug into the drain hole in the water seal groove around the valve
chamber seal. This plug may be removed during non-freezing periods to allow the water seal groove to drain.
P. Install Valve Chamber Cover - Again fill the water seal groove with liquid to seal against air infiltration
before assembling. Do not use foam seal in this area. For the CT6-2000, use the J-bolts provided to attach the
valve chamber cover to the top. For all other units, drop in the valve chamber cover.
Q. Cleaning Your Fountain – To clean your watering fountain you will need a good stiff bristled brush.
Remove the cover then brush the water seal groove to remove any build-up then brush the tank. Remove the
drain plug that is located at the end of the trough to drain out the water and debris. You can shut off the water
with the shut-off valve located under the unit or by holding the float in the up position. After the water and
debris has drained reinstall the plug and let the tank refill. Now is a good time to readjust the float if needed.
Reinstall cover and you are done.
Special Situations
Supplemental Heat
Immersion heaters are available for cold weather climates. The 250-watt heater part #16311 should be adequate
for Thrifty Kings. Additionally, self-regulating heat cables are available to protect supply hose from freezing,
120V, part #16276. Immersion heaters should be placed flat on the bottom of the valve chamber. Ensure that the
placement of the heater and its power cable do not interfere with the motion of the float assembly.
NOTE: Supply line heat cables should wrap around the valve, and follow the supply line down into the
riser tube. You may use nylon ties to anchor the heat cable to the supply line.
Non-Siphoning
The Ritchie Thrifty King fountains meet Grade-A dairy non-siphoning guidelines.
Ritchie Valves
Ritchie valves come in two sizes. The Thrifty King CT2-2000, CT4-2000, and CT6-2000 come standard with our
3/4" yellow high pressure valve that is rated up to 110 psi. The Thrifty King CT1-2000 uses our 1/2" valve. It is
available in three pressure ratings, green for high supply line pressure, red for moderate supply pressure, and
white for low-pressure applications. A red valve is standard on the CT1-2000 units. Although different pressure
rated valves may be used in a fountain, each fountain will only accommodate one size and configuration of valve.
Alternate valves can be used for different water
conditions. If water pressure is over 60 psi, and
if the valve does not shut off, a pressure-
reducing valve may be needed. Your individual
situations may require a change from the
standard valve supplied with your fountain, see
your Ritchie Dealer if this is needed.
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Trouble Shooting
Problem
Solution
Elliptical Closure
Sticking
Make sure the closure floats at least 1/2” below the rim of the water well, so water does not
get trapped above the closure and freeze the closure to the rim of the well.
Water Freezing in
the Valve, Supply
Line, or Drink
Area
Make sure the fountain is sealed from wind between the concrete platform and bottom of unit
Make sure both water seal grooves are filled with liquid
Make sure there are at least 10 animals drinking from only this fountain. (No other source of
water available.)
Make sure incoming water is at least 42oF
Make sure supply line is properly insulated:
Foam rubber insulation around supply line

Riser tube with supply line centered, and air space between riser tube and supply line.
Ritchie Thermal Tubes are recommended (see part listing page 2)
Horizontal supply line is at least 1 foot below frost line
If the above conditions cannot be met, use supplemental heat as described on page 4
Low Water Flow
Check that valve inlet is not plugged or supply hose is not kinked
Check system pressure from supply hose by installing a tee and pressure gauge in front of the
valve
to check pressure drop when valve is open. A severe pressure drop indicates a
restriction or undersized supply system.
Check that shut off valves are fully open
Valve Won’t Stop
Dripping
Check float adjustment. Ensure float moves freely
Take valve apart and check for sand or scale in valve rubber.
Turn valve rubber over and re-assemble. See below
Check for excessive water system pressure.
Change to higher pressure valve.
Thrifty King Product Specifications
CT1-2000
CT2-2000
CT4-2000
CT6-2000
Drink Height
19
19
19
19
Width 20.25 24 35 39
Length
28
42.75
42.75
72.5
Shipping Weight
53 lbs.
90 lbs.
152 lbs.
210 lbs.
Operating Capacity
11.2 gallon
28 gallon
45.5gallon
55 gallon
Herd Capacity
30 Head
100 Head
200 Head
300 Head
1/2” Valve:
Valve Rubber
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SUMMER COVER
OPTIONAL
VALVE ASSEMBLY
PRE-2019 UNITS
Thrifty King CT6
Part # 16440
Item Part # Description Qty . . Item Part # Description Qty
116391 Thrifty King CT6 Cover 112 18624 Optional Non-Potable Vlv Adptr 1 pkg
216443 Thrifty King CT6 Top 113 18318 Bolt Down Washer (4/pkg) 2 pkgs
3 16442 Thrifty King CT6 Base 114 18838 Valve HP Brkt Assembly pkg. 1 pkg
4 18090 Thrifty King CT Summer Cover 115 18832 HP 3/4" Valve Assembly 1
516305 Elliptical Closures 6 16 18475 O-Ring Valve Seal Pkg (4/pkg) 1
6 18849 Ritchie Plug 2" pkg 3 pkgs NS 14866 Seal Foam 10' Roll 2
7 16540 J-Bolt CT6 SS (2/pkg) 1 pkg NS 14859 Pipe Insulation 1
8 16288 Top Bolt, Wshr, & Nut SS (2/pkg) 3 pkgs NS 15931 Hose Clamp 1" SS (5/pkg) 1 pkg
9 16422 Valve Bracket with Nut 1 pkg NS 18614 Adapter 3/4" x 5/8" HB 1 pkg
10 16419 Green Valve 3/4" Female pkg 1 pkg NS 16441 TK CT6 Accessory pkg 1 pkg
11 18314 Float with Hardware pkg 1 pkg NS 16646 Opt. Ribbed Elliptical Closures 6
18313 Hardware for Float pkg 1 pkg
8
7
3
2
5
13
1
4
12
615
14
10
11
9
16
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OPTIONAL SUMMER COVER
OPTIONAL
VALVE ASSEMBLY
PRE-2019 UNITS
Thrifty King CT4-2000
Part # 16430
Item Part # Description Qty . . Item Part # Description Qty
118121 Thrifty King CT4 Cover 1 11 18624 Optional Non-Potable Vlv Adptr 1 pkg
218120 Thrifty King CT4 Top 1 12 18318 Bolt Down Washer (4/pkg) 1 pkg
3 18119 Thrifty King CT4 Base 1 13 18633 Plug #3 - Water Channel 1 pkg
418090 Optional TK CT Summer Cover 1 14 18832 HP 3/4" Valve Assembly 1
5 16305 Elliptical Closures 4 15 18475 O-Ring Valve Seal Pkg (4/pkg) 1
6 18849 Ritchie 2" Plug pkg 3 pkgs NS 14866 Seal Foam 10' Roll 2
7 16538 Top Bolt, Wshr, & Nut (2/pkg) 2 pkgs NS 14859 Pipe Insulation 1
8 18838 VLV HP Brkt Assy pkg 1 pkg NS 15931 Hose Clamp 1" SS (5/pkg) 1 pkg
9 15377 Green Valve 3/4" Male pkg 1 pkg NS 18614 Adapter 3/4" x 5/8" HB 1 pkg
10 18314 Float with Hardware pkg 1 pkg NS 18155 TK CT 4 Accessory pkg 1 pkg
18313 Hardware for Float pkg 1 pkg NS 16646 Opt. Ribbed Elliptical Closures 4
4
11
6
1
2
7
5
312
13
8
14
8
9
10
15
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VALVE ASSEMBLY
PRE-2019 UNITS
Thrifty King CT2-2000
Part # 16299
Item Part # Description Qty . . Item Part # Description Qty
116893 Thrifty King CT2 Cover 110 18318 Bolt Down Washer (4/pkg) 1 pkg
216894 Thrifty King CT2 Top 111 18633 Plug #3 - Water Channel 1 pkg
3 16895 Thrifty King CT2 Base 112 18832 HP 3/4" Valve Assembly 1
4 16305 Elliptical Closures 213 18475 O-Ring Valve Seal Pkg (4/pkg) 1
518849 Ritchie 2" Plug pkg 2 pkgs NS 14866 Seal Foam 10' Roll 2
6 16538 Top Bolt, Wshr, & Nut (2/pkg) 1 pkg NS 14859 Pipe Insulation 1
7 18838 VLV HP Brkt Assy pkg 1 pkg NS 15931 Hose Clamp 1" SS (5/pkg) 1 pkg
8 15377 Green Valve 3/4" Male pkg 1 pkg NS 18614 Adapter 3/4" x 5/8" HB 1 pkg
9 18314 Float with Hardware pkg 1 pkg NS 18340 TK CT2 Accessory pkg 1 pkg
18313 Hardware for Float pkg 1 pkg NS 16646 Opt. Ribbed Elliptical Closures 2
8
9
7
6
3
4
2
1
10
11
5
7
12
13
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Thrifty King CT1-2000
Part # 16271
Item Part # Description Qty . . Item Part # Description Qty
116861 Thrifty King CT1 Cover 110 12575 Red Valve 1/2" Male pkg 1 pkg
216860 Thrifty King CT1 Top 111 12836 Float with Long Arm pkg 1 pkg
3 16859 Thrifty King CT1 Base 112 18318 Bolt Down Washer (4/pkg) 1 pkg
4 16305 Elliptical Closures 113 18633 Plug #3 - Water Channel 1 pkg
518849 Ritchie 2" Plug pkg 1 pkg NS 14866 Seal Foam 10' Roll 1
6 16538 Top Bolt, Wshr, & Nut (2/pkg) 2 pkgs NS 14859 Pipe Insulation 1
7 18838 VLV HP Brkt Assy pkg 1 pkg NS 18614 Adapter 3/4" x 5/8" HB 1 pkg
8 16899 Valve 1/2" White W/ Adpt pkg 1 pkg NS 16857 TK CT1 Accessory pkg 1 pkg
18692 Valve 1/2" Red W/ Adpt pkg 1 pkg NS 16646 Opt. Ribbed Elliptical Closures 1
9 16287 Adptr Reducer 3/4" to 1/2" pkg 1 pkg
9
11
10
8
1
2
6
4
3
12
13
7
5
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Ritchie Limited Warranty
Effective September 2012
Ritchie Industries, Inc. warrants its products to be
free of defective materials and workmanship. Defective
part(s) will be repaired or replaced at the option of
Ritchie Industries. This warranty specifically excludes
all labor and shipping charges.
This warranty does not apply to any appearance
items, to any product whose exterior has been damaged
or defaced, to any product that has been improperly
installed, to any product subjected to misuse, abnormal
service or handling, and to any products altered or
repaired with other than original equipment or
manufacturer’s parts.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and
you may also have other rights which vary from state to
state.
All warranty claims must be processed through an
Authorized Ritchie Dealer/ Distributor. Proof of
purchase is required. This warranty is not
transferable. The period of warranty begins at original
date of purchase as follows:
Poly Units
Base, top and ball closures
10 year limited against manufacturing defect. 100% first
five years, then declining 20% per year for the remaining
five years.
Stainless Steel Units
Stainless trough and stainless valve chamber frame:
Ten years against manufacturing defect or corrosion. 100%
all ten years.
Casing and cover:
10 year limited against manufacturing defect. 100% first
year, then declining 10% per year for the remaining nine
years.
Component Parts
All component parts, such as floats, valves, heating
elements:
One year from the date of purchase against manufacturing
defect, 100%.
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