For most of the year, the climate is bearable enough for water tanks. The temperature and weather patterns are more favorable for these containers. However, during winter, most people have to deal with frozen water storage equipment. This can be pretty disadvantageous, as it disrupts most household activities, including cooking and cleaning.
Moreover, the formation of ice can also destroy plumbing lines. This damage is caused by the expansion of water when it freezes, thereby exerting more pressure on the pipes. If there’s too much stress on the pipes, they may crack. When this happens, you’ll have to deal with costly repairs. Any delay will only worsen the problem and result in more expensive damages.
How To Keep Your Water Tank From Freezing In Winter
If you live in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions, talking to an expert before buying a water tank will help. You may consult plumbers, reliable manufacturers such as The Water Tank Factory, or local sellers. There are now various water tank styles and models available, each one built for different uses and climates. Therefore, it’s best to ask professionals who can help you identify the best tank for your home.
Besides involving experts, you may also consider the following tips to ensure your stored water doesn’t freeze during winter:
- Consider Circular-Shaped Tanks
Circular-shaped tanks have less surface area than cubed or rectangular ones. Therefore, these provide more insulation and ensure less heat loss. As a result, the water in these containers remains warm, reducing the chances of getting frozen.
- Buy A Bigger Tank
Have you noticed that, in most cases, water in a bottle takes longer to freeze than the small amount of water in ice cubes trays? Similarly, the greater volume of water in a bigger tank will take more time to cool during winter than the water in a smaller water tank.
- Use And Refill Water Regularly
When water is still, freezing is more likely to take place. On the other hand, running water is less likely to turn into ice. Therefore, you can safeguard your tank from freezing by ensuring the liquid in them is continually in motion.
Regular usage works better in this case. Usually, as the water gets utilized, the container is refilled with more water, which is mostly warmer than the one in the tank. This measure could therefore help to slow down the freezing process in the water tank.
However, if it’s difficult for you to ensure that the water is continuously moving, consider shaking the tank several times a day to prevent freezing.
- Ensure Your Tank Is Properly Insulated
Insulating your tank keeps it warmer and prevents heat loss. With materials like mineral wool or polyurethane foam, you can cover your storage container and ensure the water in it doesn’t freeze.
In most cases, local water tank sellers have insulants you could use for your reservoir when the climate isn’t friendly, like during winter. However, if merchants around your area don’t have them, you can order online from credible vendors with good customer reviews and ratings.
- Avoid Flat Top Covers
Having a flat top tank cover could make the water in your container freeze. This is because when it rains, these lids end up collecting rainwater. As a result, when temperatures are extremely low, the collected water turns into ice and cools the water inside the reservoir, eventually causing it to freeze.
On the other hand, slanted covers work differently. These lids don’t allow moisture to sit on them, thus preventing the formation of ice on top of the tank. As a result, the rest of the container is also less likely to be affected.
- Ensure There Are No Leaking Pipes
It’s always best to check the pipes connected to your tank at all times. This practice is especially vital during winter. That’s because if the pipes linked to the reservoir have leaks, they could cause the water tank to lose heat. As a result, the water tank could freeze.
Therefore, regularly check all lines connected to your tank to ensure there are no loose fittings or broken pipes. If you notice any issues, hire an expert to do the repairs.
Conclusion
Most homeowners struggle with frozen water tanks during winter due to extremely low temperatures. However, this issue can be prevented by following a few steps. Some of the measures you could take are explained above. They include utilizing circular-shaped reservoirs, using and refilling water regularly, and insulating your tank. Aside from that, buying bigger storage containers, ensuring that the pipes connected to the vessel aren’t leaking, and avoiding flat lids are also other tips you may consider.
