1/2”
Part #
GPM
Pressure Range
White
12574
4.8
Low, 5-40 psi
Red (Std)
12575
3.4
Moderate, 40-60 psi
Green
13597
1.45
High, 60-80 psi
Installation Variations
Incoming water temperature and pressure will vary and will affect the performance of your fountain. Well water
will be between 45
o
and 50
o
, but rural water from a water tower may be substantially cooler. Supplemental heaters
and alternate valves are available for these variations.
Supplemental Heat
Both the valve chamber and the water supply line should be protected from freezing. To protect the valve
chamber, immersion heaters should be placed flat on the bottom of the chamber. Ensure the heater and power
cable does not interfere with the motion of the float. Self-regulating heat cables protect the supply line from
freezing. Heat cables should wrap around the valve and follow the supply line down into the riser tube. You may
use nylon ties to anchor the cable to the supply line. Both immersion heaters and supply line heaters are
thermostatically controlled, using power only when needed. Neither heater will get hot enough to melt the plastic
of the fountain.
The higher power heaters should be used for larger troughs or where there may be electrical losses in the line due
to long transmission distances. A stainless steel heater stand is included and should be used with the Ritchie
500W heater to protect the fountain in the event of water supply failure. The stand may be purchased separately to
be used with any immersion heater, #16636.
Ritchie Valves
Ritchie valves come in two sizes. The WaterMatic 300 and WaterMatic 1000 come standard with our 3/4" yellow
high pressure valve that is rated up to 110 psi. The WaterMatic 100, 150, and 150S use our 1/2" valve. It is
available in three pressure ratings, green for high supply line pressure, red for moderate supply pressure, and
white for low-pressure applications. A red valve is standard on the 100, 150, and 150S units. Although different
pressure rated valves may be used in a fountain, each fountain will only accommodate one size and configuration
of valve.
Alternate valves can be used for different water
conditions. If water pressure is over 60 psi, and
if the valve does not shut off, a pressure-
reducing valve may be needed. Your individual
situations may require a change from the
standard valve supplied with your fountain, see
your Ritchie Dealer if this is needed.
Immersion Heaters
Self Regulating Heat
Cable
Part #
Volts
Watts
Part #
Volts
Watts
16311
120
250
16276
120
30
17960
240
250
16713
240
30
14158
120
500
WaterMatic Series Instruction Manual
4
August 13, 2022
