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 31, 2019
@RitchieWaterers

Models WM1200, WM600, WM96, WM90, WM54 & WM54D
WaterMaster Fountain Installation Instructions
WaterMaster fountains are designed to allow for constant flow installation and use; however, if you choose not to
constant flow, you may need to use supplemental heat. 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 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 level to drain water back when unit is not in use. A shutoff valve or stop and waste valve can
be obtained from your local plumber. 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. 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.
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) – Although WaterMaster 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 and you choose not to constant flow.
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.
NOTE: Take this opportunity to check to see that the constant flow drain will align properly with the
drainpipe in the ground. (Some replacement installations may require additional fittings and elbows.)
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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.
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.
6. For constant flow/trainer tube options: Drill a 1/8” hole
in the threaded boss in the side of the yellow valve body.
Attach petcock valve with thread sealant.
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. Trainer Tube -The petcock valve outlet on WM54, 54D 90, & 96 has push to connect fitting for the plastic
tubing for the water trainer. The other end of the tubing should be pushed tight into the hole provided in the wall
of the valve compartment. The valve can be opened as desired to provide constant water flow. The red plastic
plug is to be used to plug the water trainer hole when not needed.
L. Constant Flow (Optional) – With this constant flow fountain, overflow piping must be provided to remove
the excess water from the fountain area. An end access opening is provided to aid in connecting drain piping from
the overflow. A PVC pipe adapter is provided for the overflow connection. (See drawing on page 1.) The petcock
valve is used to allow a continuous flow of warm water.
Valve Rubber
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M. 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.
N. Drain Plug –Install pre-assembled plugs from the inside of the trough. Wetting the plug can aid in
installation. Tighten wing nut to secure.
O. Float Adjustment - Turn on water supply, check for and correct any leaks. Adjust valve thumb screw to
adjust water level. For WaterMaster fountains, the depth should be one inch below the overflow drain for non-
constant flow operation, or to your desired level for constant flow.
P. Access Covers – The access covers for the fountain require a self-adhesive seal strip to be applied around the
cover. The foam adhesive requires a 24-hour cure time; so after placing on cover, install in the base to hold it in
place. Do not over tighten bolt.
Q. 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.
R. 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.
S. 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
Constant Flow
Models WM 54, 54D, 90, and 96 comes standard with the petcock valve required for constant flow
operation. For model WM 600 a constant flow kit part # 16733 is required and for the WM 1200, part # 18199 is
required.
Non-Siphoning
The Ritchie WaterMaster fountains meet Grade A dairy non-siphoning guidelines.
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Non-Potable
Applications 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 will 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
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, #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 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.
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
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VALVE ASSEMBLY
PRE-2019 UNITS
WaterMaster 54
Part # 16542
Item Part # Description Qty . . Item Part # Description Qty
116469 WaterMaster Cover 112 18633 Plug #3 - Channel 1 pkg
216550 WaterMaster 54 Base 113 18318 Bolt Down Washer (4/pkg) 2 pkgs
3 18470 Drain Plug Ritchie 3" 3 pkgs 14 18475 O-Ring Valve Seal Pkg (4/pkg) 1
4 16472 Access Panel Round 2NS 14866 Seal Foam 10' Roll 2
518203 Access Panel Rnd Hardware pkg 2 pkgs NS 18632 Cap for Trainer Hole 1 pkg
6 16464 Valve WM Assembly pkg 1 pkg NS 17173 Adapter 3" PVC 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 1NS 16479 WM 54/90 Accessory pkg 1 pkg
9 18838 VLV HP Brkt Assembly pkg 1NS 16471 Tube Water Trainer 1
10 18839 Petcock Valve pkg 1NS 16551 Adapter - Opt. Non-potable 1
11 17194 Strainer 1
7
6
8
10
9
1
2 13
5
4
12
3
3
11
3
5
4
14
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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 113 18219 Plug #11 pkg 1 pkg
218372 WaterMaster 54D Base 114 18318 Bolt Down Washer (4/pkg) 2 pkgs
3 18470 Drain Plug Ritchie 3" 2 pkgs 15 18655 Ritchie Decal 7.5" (1/pkg) 1 pkg
4 18370 Access Panel 10"x10" 116 18475 O-Ring Valve Seal Pkg (4/pkg) 1
518147 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 17173 Adapter 3" PVC 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 1NS 18614 Adapter 3/4" x 5/8" HB 1 pkg
9 18838 VLV HP Brkt Assembly pkg 1NS 18367 WM 54D Accessory pkg 1 pkg
10 18839 Petcock Valve pkg 1NS 16471 Tube Water Trainer 1
11 17194 Strainer 1NS 18624 Adapter - Opt. Non-potable 1 pkg
12 18633 Plug #3 - Water Channel 1 pkg
7
6
8
10
9
11
3
3
1
13
12
4
15
2
14
5
16
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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 17173 Adapter 3" PVC 1
18313 Hardware for Float pkg 1 pkg NS 15931 Hose Clamp 1" SS (5/pkg) 1 pkg
9 16472 Access Panel Round 1 NS 18614 Adapter 3/4" x 5/8" HB 1 pkg
10 18203 Access Panel Rnd Hardware pkg 1 pkg NS 18192 WM 600 Accessory pkg 1 pkg
11 17194 Strainer 1 NS 16733 Constant Flow pkg - Optional 1 pkg
12 18219 Plug #11 pkg 1 pkg NS 18624 Adapter - Opt. Non-potable 1 pkg
5
10
9
12
13 4
11
3
3
2
1
14
15
8
6
7
16
717
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VALVE ASSEMBLY
PRE-2019 UNITS
WaterMaster 90
Part # 16467
Item Part # Description Qty . . Item Part # Description Qty
116469 WaterMaster Cover 112 18633 Plug #3 - Channel 1 pkg
216468 WaterMaster 90 Base 113 18318 Bolt Down Washer (4/pkg) 2 pkgs
3 18470 Drain Plug Ritchie 3" 3 pkgs 14 18475 O-Ring Valve Seal Pkg (4/pkg) 1
4 16472 Access Panel Round 2NS 14866 Seal Foam 10' Roll 2
518203 Access Panel Rnd Hardware pkg 2 pkgs NS 18632 Cap for Trainer Hole 1 pkg
6 16464 Valve WM Assembly pkg 1 pkg NS 17173 Adapter 3" PVC 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 1NS 16479 WM 54/90 Accessory pkg 1 pkg
9 18838 VLV HP Brkt Assembly pkg 1NS 16471 Tube Water Trainer 1
10 18839 Petcock pkg 1NS 16551 Adapter - Opt. Non-potable 1
11 17194 Strainer 1
7
6
8
10
9
4
12
3
1
2
3
11
3
4
5
5
13
14
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VALVE ASSEMBLY
PRE-2019 UNITS
WaterMaster 96
Part # 18007
Item Part # Description Qty . . Item Part # Description Qty
116469 WaterMaster Cover 112 18633 Plug #3 - Channel 1 pkg
218040 WaterMaster 96 Base 113 18219 Plug #11 pkg 1 pkg
3 18470 Drain Plug Ritchie 3" 2 pkgs 14 18318 Bolt Down Washer (4/pkg) 2 pkgs
4 16472 Access Panel Round 115 18475 O-Ring Valve Seal Pkg (4/pkg) 1
518203 Access Panel Rnd Hardware pkg 1 pkg NS 14866 Seal Foam 10' Roll 2
6 16464 Valve WM Assembly pkg 1 pkg NS 18632 Cap for Trainer Hole 1 pkg
7 18314 Float with Hardware pkg 1 pkg NS 17173 Adapter 3" PVC 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 1NS 18614 Adapter 3/4" x 5/8" HB 1 pkg
9 18838 VLV HP Brkt Assy pkg 1NS 18041 WM 96 Accessory pkg 1 pkg
10 18839 Petcock Valve pkg 1NS 16471 Tube Water Trainer 1
11 17194 Strainer 1NS 18624 Adapter - Opt. Non-potable 1 pkg
9
6
7
8
10
11
32
1
13
12
4
14
5
3
15
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VALVE ASSEMBLY
PRE-2019 UNITS
WaterMaster 1200
Part # 18053
Item Part # Description Qty . . Item Part # Description Qty
118060 WaterMaster 1200 Cover 1 12 18633 Plug #3 - Channel Plug 1 pkg
218061 WaterMaster 1200 Base 1 13 18318 Bolt Down Washer (4/pkg) 3 pkgs
3 18470 Drain Plug Ritchie 3" 4 pkgs 14 18653 Ritchie Decal 12" (1/pkg) 1 pkg
416621 Access Panel 6"x14" 1 15 18832 HP 3/4" Valve Assembly 1
5 18147 Access Panel Hardware pkg 1 pkg 16 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 3
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 17173 Adapter 3" PVC 2
18313 Hardware for Float pkg 1 pkg NS 15931 Hose Clamp 1" SS (5/pkg) 1 pkg
9 16472 Access Panel Round 2 NS 18614 Adapter 3/4" x 5/8" HB 1 pkg
10 18203 Access Panel Rnd Hardware pkg 2 pkgs NS 18140 WM 1200 Accessory pkg 1 pkg
11 17194 Strainer 2 NS 18199 Constant Flow pkg - Optional 1 pkg
10
5
10
9
3
3
3
3
13
11
12
4
9
11
2
1
14
8
6
7
15
7
16
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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.
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.
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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