Stock wrecking troughs is one of the most common calls I get. A cow puts her head through the trough, leans on it, or rubs against it, and before you know it the float is broken, the trough is cracked, or the whole thing has been pushed off its platform. Here's how to stop it happening.
Check the platform first
A lot of trough damage happens because the trough isn't on a solid, level platform. If it's sitting on soft ground or uneven dirt, it rocks when stock lean on it. That movement cracks the fittings and eventually the trough itself. A proper concrete or timber platform, slightly larger than the trough, makes a big difference. The trough should be level and solid enough that a cow can rub on it without it shifting.
Protect the float and fittings
The float valve is usually the first thing to get damaged. If it's exposed on the outside of the trough where stock can reach it, it's going to get broken. Options:
- Float guard. A simple steel mesh cage bolted over the float assembly. Cheap and effective.
- Internal float. Some modern troughs have the float inside, under a lid. If your trough doesn't, it's worth considering when it's time to replace.
- Box the plumbing in. Run the pipe up through a post or box it in with timber so stock can't rub against the pipe and snap it off at the fitting.
Position matters
Don't put troughs in corners or tight gateways where stock bunch up and push against them. A trough in the middle of a paddock, away from the gate, gets less abuse. Also make sure there's enough space for multiple animals to drink at once without crowding. If they're all pushing to get to the trough, something's going to get broken.
If the trough is already cracked
Small cracks in plastic troughs can be welded or patched with the right kit. Concrete troughs can be patched with a quality concrete repair compound. But if the trough is old, cracked in multiple places, and the fittings are shot, it's usually cheaper to replace it than to keep patching. I can install a new trough and platform, sort the plumbing, and make sure it's stock-proof from day one.