Before purchasing this, I read multiple reviews on multiple waterers. Clearly, I made the wrong choice.

I've had this for a few months now and, had I thought some of the logistics through probably would not have purchased it. First of all, it is stainless steel. A plus - until you realize how hot the water gets in there. For reasons I haven't figured, also a great conductor for algae experiments. The float that is shielded behind the flap gave out in the first week. The water overflows daily. In essence, I have a stainless steel water bowl that heats the water and grows algae.

Okay, in the past I have purchased several of these automatic waterers. I have three such units in use presently, two for dogs and one for wild life. This latest purchase to add another wildlife watering source prompts this negative review for three reasons:

1) Connectors remain horrible and have never improved. Always in the past I overcame this bad-connector problem by using one of my own. One possibility is another item sold on Amazon: Interstate Pneumatics FGF008S 3/4" GHT Female x 1/2" Female NPT Water Hose Fitting - Swivel. I like the swivel connectors and this recommendation is not to push that brand, only to give you the particulars of what kind of part you will need. Get a similar non-swivel item if you wish, but know that the plastic connectors that come with this unit have no bite and cannot adequately make a patent connection - even with teflon tape and pipe compound. The threads seem not to be quality-controlled and they are inappropriate to allow adequate closure - they leak. Cheap, cheap, cheap. I always overcame this problem until this time:

2) The float is not functioning. Not have a functioning float is a first-time for me, but it makes me mad and obviously I cannot overcome this issue unless I take apart the item. I will not do that since I am not sure I can fix it with it apart. Initial set up with this latest purchase had the float not functioning, but then with a slap to the side of the pan it started to work. Now the float is useless. Anyway, I will be returning this unit.

3) The unit seems to be leaking at the plastic connector portion of the basin also, nothing to do with a connection, only to do with manufacture problem seemingly.

I cannot recall spending so much money for this item in the past. It sure seems expensive.

Great product. Does not leak at the valve connection as others have a advised. I did not want to place it outside because of bugs and leaves. I wanted my dog to be able to drink inside and not have to go out. See my pictures, I added a duel spigot cold water valve, some fittings, and a 6 foot hose and Wala I have an inside automatic watering bowl for my dog. If the water gets a little dirty I can just pour it into the toilet and let it refilled with fresh cold water.

Purchased June 30 and installed around July 12.
I love the idea of not worrying if my dog has water on a hot day when I am away and it worked great at first. A good piece of mind.
However, The connector to the hose leaks (not the hose and I had someone look at it and tighten, still leaks). And I was also shocked that the bowl has rust in it already [photos].

Very disappointed with this product.
created lots of stress instead of piece of mind and past due return time so I'm out $$$ too.

Fail! 1 star

So far, I am not impressed. This product was to replace a plastic version that is more than 2 years old that had cracked. The metal is so thin that when you really tighten the hose connection the metal flexes. And, the float valve turns so that you must remove the cover to adjust the both the float and angle of the valve. AND, the hose connector leaks! If I had not already thrown the box away, I would return it and buy another plastic version.
Amended -- This thing is a PITA. The hose fitting easily twists causing the float to become misaligned. I patched the old cracked plastic model with Gorilla glue and put it back in service.