When the bottle is full, the base has been tightened completely and is inverted, let the water trickle out of the tube until a vacuum develops inside the bottle. Now you can let the ball drop in front of the spout and your water bottle will be ready for your pet to drink from. Replace with fresh water frequently. Position your water bottle midway along the back of cage wall. Adjust bottle height by bending the wire hanger so the water tube is about 3-4 inches above the cage floor, or at a reachable height for your pet. Rinse clean with water and dry with a cloth. This item is not suitable for children. This product is intended for pets only. Always supervise your pet when using this item. Inspect and clean product on a regular basis. Discard if there is any damage - cracks, chips or if any part becomes loose or detached.