You should use the clips to hold the valves in the hardware cloth. The rats will push them up and out.

Does the bucket have an air hole or does the screw on top form an airtight seal? Air needs to get in to allow the water to flow out.

Tighten the valves. You have too much water coming out and it could cause a flood.

I always run a T off the last valve and add a drain plug. Makes life simple.