Ritchie WaterMaster Series User manual

Installation Instructions for
WaterMaster 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 # 17232
www.ritchiefount.com August 13, 2022
@RitchieWaterers

Models WM1200, WM600, WM96, WM90, WM54 & WM54D
WaterMaster Fountain Installation Instructions
WaterMaster fountains are designed to allow for optional constant flow installation and use to prevent freezing. A
constant flow accessory package is required prior to installation to accomidate this option. If you choose not to
constant flow, you may need to use supplemental heat in areas that will experience freezing temperatures. Please
see Special Situations section of this manual, page 5 for specifications.
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 3/4” (1” recommended) in diameter and 1’ below normal frost depth. A 3/4” (1”
recommended) vertical supply pipe (#2) is recommended for WaterMaster 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 levelto drain water back when unit is not inuse. A shutoff valve or stop and waste valve can be obtained
from your local plumber. Flush water supply line thoroughly before connecting to fountain.
FROST LINE
INCOMING WATER LINE
FROM FOUNTAIN
(SLOPED AWAY
CONCRETE PLATFORM
ANCHOR BOLTS
2
4
3
1
OPTIONAL INGROUND
SHUTOFF VALVE
RISER TUBE
(EXTEND SLIGHTLY
ABOVE CONCRETE)
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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. Do not add any insulation in the riser
tube, as it provides a path for frost. For optimum waterline protection, usethe12” outside diameter insulated Ritchie
Thermal Tube. Use whatever combination of Thermal Tubes is required to reach at least 1' below frost line.
Ritchie Thermal Tubes
18158 - 1’ top section
16612 - 4’ top section
16417 - 2’ top section
16416 - 2’ extension
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. Any foreign material in the
tube may cause frost to migrate to the supply line causing it to freeze.
D. Electrical Connection (Optional) – AlthoughWaterMaster fountains will not require supplemental heat when
using constant flow, there are circumstances where supplemental heat 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.
WARNING: ANY ELECTRICAL SERVICE MUST BE INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED BY A
QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN IN COMPLIANCE WITH LOCAL CODES.
E. Mounting Platform – A concrete platform should be provided for all fountains. It should be at least 4” thick
and large enough to accommodate 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.
F. Preparing the Bottom - Apply the foam weather stripping to the bottom of the unit, around the outside edge
of the fountain.
G. Position Fountain - Connect hose to the top of the supply line, or the customer supplied shutoff valve at the
top of the concrete. Place fountain on the concrete platform over the riser tube so the supply hose is centered in riser
tube. Set the fountain on the concrete pad to inspect positioning of the installation. Once all connections are lined
up, marking anchor bolt location can easily be done with a drill.
H.Hold-Downs - WaterMaster 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 any
Ritchie authorized dealer, in packages of two, part # 16555. Once you have verified the positioning of the fountain,
drill, install, and tighten down anchor bolts. Use the large washers provided to hold unit down. Tighten hold down
anchors tight, but do not over tighten as this could damage the plastic feet.
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I. Assemble Valve – Follow the steps to assemble the high-
pressure valve included with your waterer.
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. Valve Mounting – After fountain is in proper place, place
rubber washer, plastic washer and nut on bulkhead, cut hose to
proper length and connect to valve bracket with hose clamp. Place
the valve and bracket assembly in the slot provided in the wall of
the valve chamber and tighten nut.
K. 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.
L. Plugs –Install pre-assembled plugs from the inside of the
trough. Wetting the plug can aid in installation. Tighten wing nut
to secure. The small red plastic plug seals the trainer hole in the
valve chamber.
M.Float Adjustment - Turn on water supply, check for and correct any leaks. Adjustvalvethumb screw to adjust
water level. The proper depth should be one inch below the overflow drain.
N. Access Covers –Reinstall all access panels in the base. Do not over tighten bolt.
O.Water Seal Drain –Install the small drain plug into the drain hole in the water seal trough around the valve
chamber seal. This plug may be removed during non-freezing periods to allow water seal to drain.
P. Install Cover - Fill the water seal groove with liquid to seal against air infiltration before assembling. Drop in
the valve chamber cover. Note: Serial number or date code is found on underneath side of top red valve cover.
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.
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.
Valve
Rubber
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Special Situations
Constant Flow
To utilize the optional constant flow application on WaterMasters, a specific constant flow kit is available with for
unit. This kit includes the petcock valve, drain pipe adapter and trainer tube. For the WM54, 54D, 90, and 96
constant flow kit part # 18877 is required, for the WM 600, part # 16733 and for the WM 1200, part # 18199 is
required.
Non-Siphoning
The Ritchie WaterMaster fountains meet Grade A dairy non-siphoning guidelines.
Non-Potable
For non-potable applications only: Optional valve mounting hardware is available to relocate the valve in the
additional hole in the bottom of the valve chamber. Contact your Ritchie authorized dealer for more information.
Non-potable option is not available for WM 1200.
Installation Variations
Incoming water temperature and pressure will vary, and will affect the performance of your fountain. Well water
may be between 45oand 50o, but rural water from a water tower may be substantially cooler. Supplemental heaters
and alternate valves are available for these variations.
Supplemental Heat
Immersion Heaters
Self Regulating Heat Cable
Part #
Volts
Watts
Part #
Volts
Watts
16311
120
250
16276
120
30
17960
240
250
16713
240
30
14158
120
500
Both the valve chamber and the water supply line should be protected from freezing. To protect the valve chamber,
immersion heaters should be placed flat on the bottom of the chamber. Ensure the heater and power cable does not
interfere with the motion of the float. Self-regulating heat cables protect the supply line from freezing. 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 cable to the supply line. Both immersion heaters and supply line heaters are thermostatically controlled, using
power only when needed. Neither heater will get hot enough to melt the plastic of the fountain.
The higher power heaters should be used for larger troughs or where there may be electrical losses in the line due
to long transmission distances. A stainless steel heater stand is included and should be used with the Ritchie
500W heater to protect the fountain in the event of water supply failure. The stand may be purchased separately to
be used with any immersion heater, part #16636.
Ritchie Valves
The Ritchie WaterMaster family comes standard with our 3/4" yellow high-pressure valve that is rated up to 110
psi. If water pressure is very high and valve does not shut off consistently, a pressure-reducing valve may be needed.
Your individual situations may require a change from the standard valve supplied with your fountain.
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Trouble Shooting
Problem Solution
Water Freezing in the
Valve or Supply Line
Make sure the fountain is sealed from wind between the concrete platform and bottom
of unit.
Make sure water seal groove is filled with liquid.
Make sure supply line is properly installed:
♦Riser tube with supply line centered, and air space between riser tube and
supply line. Ritchie Thermal Tubes are recommended as they have
optimum inside and outside diameter to maximize insulation.
♦
Horizontal supply line is at least 1 foot below frost line.
If freezing continues, use supplemental heat or constant flow below freezing
temperatures.
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.
Check for excessive water system pressure and install pressure reducing valve.
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VALVE ASSEMBLY
PRE-2019 UNITS
WaterMaster 54D
Part # 18355
Item Part # Description Qty . . Item Part # Description Qty
118419 WaterMaster 54D Cover 1 12 18633 Plug #3 - Water Channel 1 pkg
218372 WaterMaster 54D Base 113 18849 Drain Plug Ritchie 2" 1 pkg
3 18470 Drain Plug Ritchie 3" 2 pkgs 14 18318 Bolt Down Washer (4/pkg) 2 pkgs
418370 Access Panel 10"x10" 115 18655 Ritchie Decal 7.5" (1/pkg) 1 pkg
5 18147 Access Panel Hardware pkg 1 pkg NS 14866 Seal Foam 10' Roll 2
6 16464 Valve WM Asssembly pkg 1 pkg NS 18632 Cap for Trainer Hole 1 pkg
7 18314 Float with Hardware pkg 1 pkg NS 18877 Constant Flow pkg 1
18313 Hardware for Float pkg 1 pkg NS 15931 Hose Clamp 1" SS (5/pkg) 1 pkg
8 18832 HP 3/4" Valve Assembly 1 NS 18614 Adapter 3/4" x 5/8" HB 1 pkg
9 18838 VLV HP Brkt Assembly pkg 1 NS 18367 WM 54D Accessory pkg 1 pkg
10 18475 O-Ring Valve Seal Pkg (4/pkg) 1 pkg NS 18624 Adapter - Opt. Non-potable 1 pkg
11 17194 Strainer 1
7
6
8
9
11
3
3
1
12
4
15
2
14
5
10
13
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VALVE ASSEMBLY
PRE-2019 UNITS
WaterMaster 54
Part # 16542
Item Part # Description Qty . . Item Part # Description Qty
116469 WaterMaster Cover 1 11 17194 Strainer 1
216550 WaterMaster 54 Base 1 12 18633 Plug #3 - Channel 1 Pkg
3 18470 Drain Plug Ritchie 3" 3 pkgs 13 18318 Bolt Down Washer (4/pkg) 2 pkgs
416472 Access Panel Round 2 NS 14866 Seal Foam 10' Roll 2
5 18878 Screw Pkg Rnd Access Panel 2 pkgs NS 18632 Cap for Trainer Hole 1 pkg
6 16464 Valve WM Assembly pkg 1 pkg NS 18877 Constant Flow Pkg 1
7 18314 Float with Hardware pkg 1 pkg NS 15931 Hose Clamp 1" SS (5/pkg) 1 pkg
18813 Hardware for Float Pkg 1 Pkg NS 18614 Adapter 3/4" x 5/8" HB 1 pkg
8 18832 HP 3/4" Valve Assembly 1 NS 16479 WM 54/90 Accessory pkg 1 pkg
9 18838 VLV HP Brkt Assembly pkg 1 NS 18203 AP Rnd Hardware OLD STYLE 2 pkgs
10 18475 O-Ring Valve Seal Pkg (4/pkg) 1
7
6
8
9
1
2 13
4
12
3
3
11
3
4
10
5
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VALVE ASSEMBLY
PRE-2019 UNITS
WaterMaster 600
Part # 18171
Item Part # Description Qty . . Item Part # Description Qty
1 18189 WaterMaster 600 Cover 1 13 18318 Bolt Down Washer (4/pkg) 2 pkgs
2 18191 WaterMaster 600 Base 1 14 18653 Ritchie Decal 12" (1/pkg) 1 pkg
3 18470 Drain Plug Ritchie 3" 2 pkgs 15 18633 Plug #3 - Water Channel 1 pkg
4 16621 Access Panel 6"x14" 1 16 18832 HP 3/4" Valve Assembly 1
518147 Access Panel Hardware pkg 1 pkg 17 18475 O-Ring Valve Seal Pkg (4/pkg) 1
6 15377 Green Valve 3/4" Male pkg 1 pkg NS 14866 Seal Foam 10' Roll 2
7 18838 VLV HP Brkt Assy pkg 1 NS 18632 Cap for Trainer Hole 1 pkg
8 18314 Float with Hardware pkg 1 pkg NS 15931 Hose Clamp 1" SS (5/pkg) 1 pkg
18313 Hardware for Float pkg 1 pkg NS 18614 Adapter 3/4" x 5/8" HB 1 pkg
9 16472 Access Panel Round 1 NS 18192 WM 600 Accessory pkg 1 pkg
10 18203 Screw Pkg Access Panel 1 pkg NS 16733 Constant Flow pkg - Optional 1 pkg
11 17194 Strainer 1 NS 18624 Adapter - Opt. Non-potable 1 pkg
12 18849 Drain Plug Ritchie 2" 1 pkg NS 18203 AP Rnd Hardware OLD STYLE 1 pkg
10
9
13 4
11
3
3
2
1
14
15
8
6
7
16
717
12
5
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August 13, 2022

VALVE ASSEMBLY
PRE-2019 UNITS
WaterMaster 90
Part # 16467
Item Part # Description Qty . . Item Part # Description Qty
116469 WaterMaster Cover 1 11 17194 Strainer 1
216468 WaterMaster 90 Base 1 12 18633 Plug #3 - Channel 1 pkg
3 18470 Drain Plug Ritchie 3" 3 pkgs 13 18318 Bolt Down Washer (4/pkg) 2 pkgs
416472 Access Panel Round 2 NS 14866 Seal Foam 10' Roll 2
5 18878 Screw Pkg Rnd Access Panel 2 pkgs NS 18632 Cap for Trainer Hole 1 pkg
6 16464 Valve WM Assembly pkg 1 pkg NS 18877 Constant Flow Pkg 1
7 18314 Float with Hardware pkg 1 pkg NS 15931 Hose Clamp 1" SS (5/pkg) 1 pkg
18313 Hardware for Float pkg 1 pkg NS 18614 Adapter 3/4" x 5/8" HB 1 pkg
8 18832 HP 3/4" Valve Assembly 1 NS 16479 WM 54/90 Accessory pkg 1 pkg
9 18838 VLV HP Brkt Assembly pkg 1 NS 16551 Adapter - Opt. Non-potable 1
10 18475 O-Ring Valve Seal Pkg (4/pkg) 1 NS 18203 AP Rnd Hardware OLD STYLE 2 pkgs
7
6
8
9
4
12
3
1
2
3
11
3
4
13
10
5
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