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billrigsby
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# Posted: 20 Sep 2023 09:37pm
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What recommendations to keep a 275 Gal tote from freezing, it is on a small trailer 17" off the ground, against the east side of the garage right at the south end, wrapped in a darker (camo) tarp.
I have 120V near-by (12') on the South side of the garage, so wondering the best and cheapest tank heater to go with?
Thanks
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gcrank1
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# Posted: 20 Sep 2023 10:20pm
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Where are you at and what is the coldest temp recorded?
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ICC
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# Posted: 20 Sep 2023 10:33pm - Edited by: ICC
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The best way to keep water from freezing in winter is, IMO, to bury the cistern. I have 325 gallon spherical cisterns, buried about 5 feet with a layer of XPS foam insulation under the soil and above the cistern.
IMO, gcrank1 has asked the all-important question... I will slightly rephrase it; how often is it below freezing and for how long? Does it stay below freezing for weeks, or months at a time? One could spend a lot of money over a winter. An envelope of insulation would go a long way to cut down the power requirements especially if or when the cold winds blow.
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Brettny
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# Posted: 21 Sep 2023 08:53am
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Where are you located? Keeping something from freezing in FL will be way different than AK.
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billrigsby
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# Posted: 21 Sep 2023 12:46pm
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Thanks all, I am in Florissant, CO (8215') average lows are in the low 20's, but it does get to single digits quite often.
It would not be a problem to just MT it for winter, but it is water for the shop. This was the first year of that convenience, but I could also do without, may be easier!
Bill
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spencerin
Member
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# Posted: 25 Sep 2023 08:17pm
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At what point does it become not cheap enough for you to keep it warm? You have options, but they will vary in cost.....
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billrigsby
Member
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# Posted: 25 Sep 2023 09:49pm
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Well that's a good question I've been here 13 and a half years and so far I've managed to do just fine without having water at the shop.
I'm also yet to find a tank heater that will fit through the opening of one of the 275 gallon totes.
Add to that I'm going to have hernia surgery towards the end of October so 6 weeks of winter after that will be also shot as far as doing any real projects.
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gcrank1
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# Posted: 25 Sep 2023 10:00pm - Edited by: gcrank1
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Imo, keeping a 'heat' system running for a constant heat loss water tank above ground is just a waste of energy and money; especially when something like a 5gal bucket 2/3 full of water for a day may serve your needs?
Short version: determine Your cost/benefit ratio
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billrigsby
Member
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# Posted: 26 Sep 2023 03:11pm
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Probably right!
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NorthRick
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# Posted: 27 Sep 2023 02:55pm
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Quoting: ICC The best way to keep water from freezing in winter is, IMO, to bury the cistern. I have 325 gallon spherical cisterns, buried about 5 feet with a layer of XPS foam insulation under the soil and above the cistern.
This. Bury it with some insulation over the top and bury the insulation too to protect it.
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Brettny
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# Posted: 27 Sep 2023 06:57pm
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That's about a $700 option just for the tank and some 2in foam here. Not including the hole you will have to dig.
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909
Member
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# Posted: 29 Sep 2023 08:51pm
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This guy rigs a contraption to draw from the core of the IBC tote. He claims the sides, top and bottom freeze ... but there's always water in the center ( just not accessible )
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2gHBx3pdIw
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ICC
Member
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# Posted: 29 Sep 2023 09:34pm
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Quoting: Brettny That's about a $700 option just for the tank and some 2in foam here. Not including the hole you will have to dig.
True. But my cabin has water anytime I want to go there. Yes it is 325 gallons max, but can last a long time when 'city habits' are left behind. I can carry 100 gallons in to refill May thru October. A well was impractical as a dri)er would never consider bringing a drill rig to the location. For over 20 years this has been an excellent solution for me.
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