Homemade Self-Draining Barn Water Line

In the winter, watering one’s livestock in an unheated facility becomes a problem when the water in the piping or the pails freezes. One rather inexpensive solution is a Homemade Self-Draining Barn Water Line that’s gradually sloped so it gravity-drains after each use. Descending down from the main water line at given distances will be “drop lines” that run down to pails or tanks, each line fitted with a shut-off valve to prevent the water from spraying while the other pails/tanks are being filled. One-inch-diameter PVC piping generally works well. Whatever water line is used must be well-supported so it does not droop and hold pockets of water that can freeze. After water is shut off to the main line (which is generally supplied through a hydrant), the valve on each drop line should be opened to drain and prevent pipe freezing.

Cost: Materials: $250-$500, depending primarily on barn length and number of drop lines.

Impairment Category: Back, Lower extremity, Strength/endurance, Upper extremity