Miraco Automatic Waterers

Miraco waterers are the trusted choice for efficient and reliable livestock hydration. Designed with innovative energy-saving technology and durable materials, Miraco waterers provide consistent access to clean water for animals in all climates.

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Miraco Automatic Waterers: Model Guide, Installation Tips & FAQs

Since 1974, Miraco has built durable, low-maintenance automatic livestock waterers for cattle, horses, sheep/goats and mixed herds—across five main families: MiraFount (energy-free), E-Fount (electric-heated), Lil’ Spring (multi-purpose), BigSpring (high-capacity) and EQUIFount (horse/stall systems). These lines use tough polyethylene bodies with urethane insulation and serviceable valve systems designed for clean, consistent water year-round.

Which Miraco family fits my operation?

  • MiraFount (energy-free) – Uses animal drinking to exchange warm water up from below frost line; requires correct install and adequate head count for freeze resistance. Manuals note a minimum of ~20 head in sub-zero weather and a dry, insulated heat well; otherwise choose E-Fount in very cold/low-usage scenarios.
  • E-Fount (electric-heated) – Built-in, thermostated ~75-watt element; Miraco highlights ~4 kWh/week even at −25°F, making it one of the most economical heated options. Great when power is available and usage is lower or winters are severe.
  • Lil’ Spring (multi-purpose) – Compact, easy-clean designs; can run unheated in mild climates or with a ~250-watt heater and Cable Heater for valve and waterline protection in cold regions. Multiple sizes and double-sided options.
  • BigSpring (high-capacity) – Rugged, thick Rockite™ polyethylene, heavy urethane insulation, molded anchors; suited for larger herds, yard or pasture abuse.
  • EQUIFount (horse) – Smooth, rounded, stall-safe edges; plumb from above or below, four-bolt install, generous drinking space with quick water-level adjust and easy drain. Many models can accept heater kits.

Installation Essentials (what manuals emphasize)

  • Set expectations by climate & head count. For energy-free MiraFount, manuals specify 20+ head in extended sub-zero periods; otherwise select E-Fount.
  • Insulate the heat well & keep it dry above the frost line. Use the specified insulated tube (e.g., #834 12" OD heat tube) and ensure no standing water above frost.
  • Bury supply lines below frost so incoming water remains warm; manuals cite ~42°F+ water at entry as a benchmark.
  • Secure, level, anchored base. Miraco lists concrete pads, molded base anchors, stainless hardware, thread sealers, and optional overflow connections. Refer to the Installation Instructions for further details.


Choose heat wisely. Lil’ Spring can add a ~250W heater plus a 40W Cable heater; E-Fount uses a 75W thermostated element designed for very low energy use in deep cold.

Performance & Maintenance

Miraco highlights energy-free operation (MiraFount), economical electric heat (E-Fount), and durable polyethylene with urethane foam across the families of units. BigSpring adds high-impact resistance and corrosion-proof bodies. Routine care: check valves/floats, confirm seals, drain/flush debris and clean, and verify heat-well dryness in winter without additional fill or insulation.

Popular Use Cases

  • Remote pastures with no power: MiraFount (when head count and buried thermal heat tube support freeze resistance).
  • Severe cold or low-usage pens with power: E-Fount (built in thermostat, very low weekly kWh even at −25°F).
  • Mixed species / rotational paddocks: Lil’ Spring and BigSpring models with easy-clean basins and multiple openings.
  • Horse barns/stalls: EQUIFount’s rounded, space-saving geometry and quick service access. Available in both heated and unheated versions.

Waterer Model Snapshots

  • E-Fount 3340E – 4 holes, ~15 gal, 14" drinking height; economical heat at −25°F.
  • EQUIFount 1100 – 1-gal corner-mount stall unit; smooth edges; heater-kit compatible.
  • Lil’ Spring 2900 – double-sided, ~6 gal, sloped bottom for quick cleaning; heater-kit compatible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do MiraFount energy-free waterers freeze?

Installation is key! When installed per manual (insulated/dry heat well, correct burial, no additional fill in heat tube) and used by ~20+ head in extended sub-zero conditions, MiraFount models are designed to remain open. In very low-usage or extreme cold, consider E-Fount.

How much electricity does an E-Fount use?

Miraco cites ~4 kWh per week at −25°F thanks to a thermostatically controlled ~75W element, making it one of the most economical heated waterers.

What heater do Lil’ Spring units use?

Manuals specify an optional ~250W heater and 40W Cable heater in cold climates; run unheated in mild conditions.

What is BigSpring made of? Will it crack?

BigSpring uses one-piece Rockite™ polyethylene and urethane insulation; Miraco notes high-impact, corrosion-resistant construction that avoids chipping/cracking even in feedlot environments

Are EQUIFount horse waterers safe in stalls?

Yes—smooth, rounded edges, minimal stall intrusion, four-bolt install, quick level adjustment, and easy drains are designed for horse safety and simple maintenance.

What size/height should I pick?

Match species and age class to drinking height and capacity (e.g., 14" sheep units, larger openings/heights for cattle/horses). See each model’s spec page for gallons, head count and opening size.

What are the key install mistakes to avoid?

Standing water in the heat well or filling riser tube and unit with additional fill and insulation, shallow supply line bury depths, uninsulated risers, and under-stocked energy-free units. Shortcuts when installing. Manuals emphasize a dry heat well, below-frost burial, and correct head count. Know what the water pressure is at the unit to ensure proper valve.

Quick-Start Install Checklist

  • ✅ Bury water line below frost line at least 1 foot; target ~42°F+ incoming water.
  • ✅ For optimal performance, Install Miraco’s insulated heat tube (e.g., #834 12" OD, 10"ID) or wide PVC or Tile and keep the heat well dry for free of debris above frost.
  • ✅ Anchor base on concrete; keep unit level and sealed (gaskets/closures). Use and all weather sealant around the base and the unit to ensure complete wind and weather protection.
  • ✅ Choose heat: E-Fount (75W) when powered; Lil’ Spring (~290W) option; MiraFount only where head count supports energy-free operation.
  • ✅ Miraco automatic waterers are long-term installations. Proper installation is key.

Parts & Accessories You’ll Likely Replace

  • Valves & floats (Miraco plastic valve w/ brass ends; stainless arms/ball floats on some models).
  • Heater kits (E-Fount integrated; Lil’ Spring add-on).
  • Drain Plugs Miraco and E-fount use the 2" drain plug. LilSpring and BigSpring use the 3" drain plug.
  • Gaskets Gaskets seal the waterer against the wind and cold. Replace in warm weather for top performance during the winter.

Why Miraco?

Miraco’s designs emphasize animal safety (rounded edges), fast access and refill, durable materials, and simple maintenance. For barns, stalls, or remote pastures, choosing the right family (energy-free vs heated) keeps water open, clean, and economical all winter.

Family Heat Type Typical Use Notable Specs
MiraFount Energy-free Remote, high-head pastures Requires 20+ head in sub-zero climates; uses a dry, insulated heat well to prevent freezing.
E-Fount Electric (≈75 W thermostated) Severe cold or low-head pens with power Consumes about 4 kWh per week at −25 °F; thermostatically controlled low-energy heater.
Lil’ Spring Optional heat (≈250W-290W) Mixed species, smaller pens Compact, easy-clean design; operates unheated in mild climates or with heater kit in cold weather.
BigSpring Energy-free / insulated Large herds, rugged outdoor use One-piece Rockite™ polyethylene body with heavy urethane insulation for strength and longevity.
EQUIFount Optional heat kit Horse barns / stalls Smooth, rounded edges for safety; four-bolt stall mount; quick water-level adjust and easy drain access.