I have been using the Edstrom Flextubing system for about a year (this is just the name of the auto watering system most use). Like Connie said you don't get a lot of leaking except when the rats/mice push bedding up in the valves and the drip leak...but I too check mine daily so any issues are caught quickly (and in a year of use I could count on 1 hand how many times it has happened).

I buy all my stuff from www.bassequipment.com it will cost you about $5 per tub ($3.25 for the value - then a stand off and "T" joint + tubing). You will need a bucket with a tank connector to hook the tubing to)

Hope this helps.