6 Best Automatic Pig Waterers For Small Farms That Pigs Can’t Destroy
Pigs need durable gear. We review 6 top automatic waterers for small farms that withstand destruction, ensuring constant, reliable hydration for your herd.
There are two truths about raising pigs: they need constant access to fresh water, and they will destroy anything that isn’t made of granite or welded steel. A flimsy water trough or a poorly installed drinker is just a toy waiting to be broken. Investing in a waterer that can withstand their curiosity and strength isn’t a luxury; it’s a fundamental requirement for a sane and successful small farm operation.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Choosing a Waterer That Outsmarts Your Pigs
Pigs are incredibly smart, powerful, and bored. Their favorite pastime is testing every object in their environment for weakness, and a waterer is a prime target. The goal isn’t just to find a "strong" waterer, but one whose design eliminates any opportunity for mischief.
Look for materials like cast iron or heavy-gauge stainless steel. Plastic can work, but only if it’s high-density polyethylene and installed in a way that pigs can’t get ahold of an edge to chew. The design should be smooth and rounded, with no protruding bolts, wings, or levers they can bite or pry.
Ultimately, the best waterer is one the pig barely notices. It should deliver water efficiently and then blend into the background. If it has parts that move, wiggle, or can be manipulated by anything other than their snout for drinking, they will find a way to dismantle it.
Suevia Model 130P: The Indestructible Choice
When you need a waterer that simply will not break, the Suevia 130P is a top contender. Its entire bowl is made from heavy, enameled cast iron. This isn’t just durable; the smooth, rounded surface gives a pig’s snout nothing to grab onto, effectively designing out the possibility of chewing or prying.
The magic is in the details. The valve is a simple brass push-tube activated by the pig’s nose, and it’s recessed within the cast iron housing. This protects the most sensitive part of the waterer from damage. Pigs learn quickly to push the tube for water, and the bowl’s design minimizes water waste.
While the upfront cost is higher than simpler nipple systems, it pays for itself by eliminating repairs and emergency water hauling. This is a buy-it-once, install-it-right solution. It’s perfect for farrowing pens, boar pens, or any situation where reliability is non-negotiable.
Ritchie OmniFount: Freeze-Proof & Energy-Free
Keep your livestock hydrated all winter with the Ritchie Omni Fount 2. This automatic, heated waterer features easy maintenance, a large access panel, and energy-efficient insulation for reliable performance.
For anyone raising pigs in a climate with freezing winters, the Ritchie OmniFount is a game-changer. These waterers are heavily insulated and use a sealed design that harnesses geothermal heat from the ground to prevent freezing. This means no expensive heating elements or chopped ice all winter.
The body is made of tough, impact-resistant polyethylene, and the stainless steel trough covers keep the water clean and protected. The pigs lift the cover with their snout to drink from the small reservoir. This design dramatically reduces water waste and contamination.
The key to making a Ritchie indestructible is the installation. It must be anchored to a concrete pad. Without that solid base, pigs will eventually root underneath it and use their incredible leverage to flip it over. When installed correctly, it’s a reliable, low-maintenance water source that solves the winter water problem for good.
Behlen Country Hog Waterer for Large Groups
If you’re running a larger group of feeder pigs together, a single-cup waterer might create a bottleneck. The Behlen Country Hog Waterer is built for this exact scenario, often featuring multiple drinking cups in a single, heavy-duty unit. This allows several pigs to drink at once, reducing competition and stress.
Constructed from heavy-gauge galvanized steel, these units are designed to take a beating. The edges are often rolled or reinforced to prevent pigs from finding a spot to start chewing. The trough is typically covered, with individual lift-up lids for each drinking spot, which helps keep the water clean from mud and manure.
The tradeoff is cleaning. With a larger surface area and multiple components, these waterers require more frequent scrubbing than a simple nipple or a small bowl. However, for a pasture or dry lot with 10 or more pigs, the efficiency and capacity are well worth the extra maintenance.
Lixit Pig Nipple: A Simple, Chew-Proof Design
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. A high-quality stainless steel pig nipple is, in itself, almost completely indestructible. There are no bowls to crack, no floats to break, and no lids to tear off. The pig interacts with a single, small metal pin.
The success or failure of a nipple waterer depends 100% on its installation. The nipple itself isn’t the weak point; the pipe it’s attached to is. Never attach a nipple to an exposed PVC or plastic pipe. The pigs will chew through it in an afternoon.
For a truly pig-proof setup, the water line must be completely protected. Run the pipe inside a steel post or securely behind a wooden wall with only the nipple protruding. When installed this way, there is literally nothing for the pig to destroy. It’s a cheap, effective, and incredibly durable watering method if you take the time to protect the plumbing.
Brower M80P Drinker: Cast Iron Durability
Similar to the Suevia, the Brower M80P is built on the principle of extreme durability through heavy materials. This drinker features a cast iron bowl that can easily withstand the daily abuse of even the largest heritage breed hogs. The sheer weight and solid construction mean it won’t bend, crack, or get pushed around.
The Brower often utilizes a different style of valve, but the core concept is the same: protect the mechanism within the iron housing. The pig uses its snout to press a paddle or plate, which activates the water flow. This design is intuitive for the animals and leaves no delicate parts exposed.
Choosing between a Brower and a Suevia often comes down to specific features, valve preference, or availability. Both represent a serious investment in infrastructure. They are for the farmer who is tired of replacing cheaper options and wants a permanent, reliable water source that will last for decades.
Farm-Tuff Barrel Waterer: A DIY-Friendly Kit
For those who like a more hands-on approach or need a large, portable water supply, a barrel waterer kit is an excellent option. These kits provide one or more high-quality pig nipples and the fittings needed to install them into a standard 55-gallon food-grade plastic or steel drum.
This approach gives you a massive water reservoir, reducing the need for daily refilling. It’s a great solution for rotational grazing systems or temporary paddocks where running a permanent water line isn’t practical. You fill the barrel, and the pigs have water for days.
The critical element here is securing the barrel. A full barrel is heavy, but a determined pig can still knock it over, especially as it gets emptier. You must strap or chain the barrel securely to a sturdy fence post or tree. Without proper anchoring, the pigs will turn your water source into a giant, rolling toy.
Installation Tips to Prevent Pig Mischief
The world’s best waterer will fail if it’s installed poorly. A pig’s power and persistence should never be underestimated. Following a few key principles during installation is just as important as the waterer you choose.
First, always mount the waterer to a concrete pad. This prevents pigs from rooting underneath and destabilizing the unit. For nipple drinkers, mount them to something immovable, like a post set in concrete or a reinforced wall. Never attach anything to a flimsy fence panel.
Second, protect the water line at all costs. An exposed PEX or PVC line is a chew toy. Bury your water line below the frost line and have it come up directly into the waterer. If any part of the line must be exposed, encase it in a heavy steel pipe that is securely fastened. This single step prevents 90% of waterer failures.
Finally, set the height correctly for the size of your pigs. The drinker should be at about shoulder height. If it’s too low, they will stand in it and soil it. If it’s too high, they may not be able to drink comfortably. For nipple drinkers, angling them slightly downwards helps reduce water waste.
Choosing a pig waterer is less about the brand and more about understanding the opponent. By selecting a design that offers no leverage points and installing it with the expectation that it will be relentlessly tested, you can build a watering system that works for your pigs and, more importantly, for you. A solid, well-installed waterer is a cornerstone of an efficient and low-stress small farm.
