Several things can cause leaky water bottles--
 
1- not filling them up all the way--
2- a worn gasket ring, or crak in the neck
   or
3- mineral deposits which accumulate on the balls
 
To correct the problem you can :
1-  make sure the bottle is filled up all the way.  You see water bottles
are designed to operate on a vacuum system.  This also helps keep the water
more palatable as the air does not allow rapid putrification of the water.
 
2- Check your water bottle to see - if it has a gasket ring, if the ring is
missing ( this will definitely prompt leakage) or if the ring has a build
up or is worn out.  Many companies that manufacture the bottle will send
replacement parts if you request them.  I know for a fact both Oasis and
Lixit do!
 
3- If the above do not check out-- then prepare to do thorough cleaning on
the water bottle nozzle.  Use vinegar & water and a toothbrush.  Run as
much water as you can through the nozzle tip, then at the ball at the end
of the nozzle use the solution and a toothbrush and make sure there is no
residue on the ball when you are finished.  Rinse and test..  if the
problem was a build up of minerals-- especially if the water you use is
hard-- then your dripping problem should be solved-- once you have
completely filled the water bottle back up!
 
Good luck-- sure hope this helps!
 
fondly in ferrets
Alicia
 
at Ferret Wise
 
visit our shelter page at
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~crassi/index.html
 
Home of "Ewok"
[Posted in FML issue 2486]