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]