How to Build a Water Tower for Pigs

A water tower is unfortunately inappropriate for swine. Pigs have short necks and cannot easily stand on their hind legs, making it difficult for them to drink from a high tower. The best watering equipment for these animals is both relatively low and shallow. Pig owners can build a water system specific to their needs. The water reservoir, be it a bowl or a trough, should measure 6 inches maximum in depth, no matter which option is chosen.

Things You'll Need

  • Large jug
  • Dish
  • 55-gallon metal water drum
  • Large galvanized horse trough
  • Pipe
  • Nozzle
  • Hog nipple
  • Twine or rope
  • 1/2-inch ball valve
  • 1/2-inch female PVC coupling
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make an indoor water dispenser for pigs kept indoors. Pierce a small hole into a large jug, approximately 1 inch from its bottom. Set it in a dish whose borders are raised higher than 1 inch. Fill the jug with water. As the pig drinks from the dish, more water will trickle from the jug.

    • 2

      Create a heavy-duty water tank for outdoor pigs. Connect a 55-gallon metal water drum to a large galvanized horse trough by welding a pipe between the two parts. Install a nozzle, connected to the pipe, about 3 inches from the bottom of the trough. Fill with water. Seal the metal drum tightly to prevent overflow.

    • 3

      Mount a nipple waterer to provide a continuous water supply for pigs. Secure a water line to a hog nipple, then fix this to a post in the pig's pen using strong twine or rope. Install a 1/2-inch ball valve to control the water's flow. Place the nipple through 1/2 inch of PVC coupling to simplify this. Place the nipple above the pig's shoulder height, at an angle of 15 degrees.