Chicken Waterers

I have gone through two sets of these waterers, purchased on Amazon. They last about six months before they stop working. My setup is a Home Depot bucket with four of these about half an inch off the bottom to try to avoid getting bottom gunk in them. Is this just the way it is with these cups or am I doing something wrong? Can anyone recommend a different setup? My hose is not able to reach the coop, hence the bucket scenario.