Easy DIY Pig Waterer

This easy DIY Pig Waterer makes taking care of pigs so much easier. It’s cheap, requires only a few materials and works great for supplying your pigs with mess free watering.

Pigs on the Homestead

Pigs can be a great asset to your farm or homestead. Not only do they provide delicious meat, they are great land managers. They love wooded areas, and will clear out all of the underbrush for you in no time. Also, this is a great way to start creating silvopastures.

There are many breeds that are great grazers as well. Given the right plot of land, this can really help with the cost of feeding your pigs. Pigs also take care of any extra kitchen scraps you have. They are notorious for their willingness to eat just about anything. A pig lets nothing go to waste.

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Watering Pigs

Pigs require a lot of water. Our four American Guinea Hogs consume at least 5 gallons of water a day. Given this breed’s short stature, it was difficult to find a waterer that held enough water and wasn’t too tall. They will also make a giant mess of their water if it is not a stable structure. They’re very messy drinkers, and love creating a mud pit wherever they can. If you work a full time job and are unable to monitor their water during the day this creates a big problem.

Pig Watering Methods

There are several different methods you can use to water your pigs. There are pros and cons to each method.

• A standard watering dish.
  • Pro: Easy to access and clean. Can be purchased at most big-box hardware stores or tractor supply.
  • Con: Must the frequently filled. The water is easily dumped out, and creates a big mess leaving the pigs without drinking water
• A watering trough
  • Pro: It holds more water than the watering dish, and is more stable due to its size. A float valve can also be added.
  • Con: It’s hard to find one at pig height, without it being low enough for the pigs to climb into.

This post may contain affiliate links which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure here.

DIY Pig Waterer

This simple DIY Pig Waterer is the solution to the problems above. it provides plenty of water for the pigs, keeps the water clean, and prevents the pigs from dumping the water onto the ground. However, they will figure out how to make a small puddle under it for a wallow. This waterer is a lifesaver for busy families as it cuts down on daily chore times. The supplies for the waterer are simple:

• 55 gallon food grade water barrel with lid
• 1/2 inch threaded female adapter union fitting
• 1/2 inch hog water nipple (our package stated one nipple was enough for 15 pigs)
• 2 cinder blocks
• Drill with appropriate bit fitting.

Making the Waterer

Start by drilling a hole with a hole saw or spade bit. The size of the hole you drill will depend on the female adaptor you purchase. The specifications will come with the adaptor. Ours required 1 1/2 inch hole.

Install the adaptor 12-15 inches from the bottom of the barrel. This will vary depending on the size of your pigs. you want them to be able to reach the nipple on top of the blocks, while still providing enough water volume above.

After the adaptor is installed, screw the water nipple into the adaptor. The bevel on the adaptor should be facing up as shown here.

Next, install the waterer on cinder blocks to ensure that the waterer is just above snout level for the pigs. The pig will make less of a mess with his snout pointed upward, than if he is drinking from below. You can see in the photo above that the pigs will still make a mess.

Secure the waterer to something sturdy. You can install t-post for this if you don’t have a nearby tree. This will help to keep the barrel from falling over and potentially injuring a pig. Fill the waterer up as needed.

Cleaning the Waterer

This type of waterer will stay relatively clean compared the the other methods I mentioned above. However, it will be necessary to clean the interior of the barrel. Clean the barrel with white vinegar, a scrub brush, and a hose. The exterior of the barrel, will get very dirty depending on where you have it placed in the pig yard. It will require being hosed down a few times a month in order to prevent build up on the nipple.

Training the Pigs to the Waterer

Pigs are naturally curious animals. It doesn’t take them long to explore the nipple and figure out that water come from it. However, to be safe, leave an easily accessible water dish in the pig enclosure along with the waterer to ensure they have plenty of water while they are figuring things out. As they become more comfortable with the nipple drinker, you can remove their water dish. Monitor the pigs closely for a couple of days to ensure they are getting water.

I hope this pig waterer makes owning pigs more achievable for you. They are a great animal to have on the homestead!

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