Water storage tanks come in a range of sizes and shapes so that they can cater to the needs of different clients. Slimline water containers are especially appropriate for people with limited space and those who would like the installation to blend in with the surroundings easily. During winter, water freezing is a common concern. Here are some things that you can do to prevent freezing in your water tank.
Insulation
When choosing a tank, you should bear the freezing temperature in mind. The container should be well designed to offer insulation against freezing as well as prevent the growth of algae once the weather heats up. This way, you are assured of a steady and safe supply of water. Another option is to use tank insulation. Most suppliers offer covers for the tanks to ensure that heat does not leave.
Quality and Special Features
One way to gauge the quality of a tank is scrutinising its warranty. One with a five-year guarantee is likely to offer more value than one with a shorter guarantee. This way, you will know that it can handle the elements of freezing without splitting.
Another quality to look out for is a sloping cover. When your tank has a flat cap and ice builds on it, the temperature inside it reduces. This drop increases the chances of water freezing. A sloping cover and top prevent the formation of ice. Also, use a larger tank as a large volume of water takes longer to freeze compared to smaller amounts.
Consistent Flow
One way to keep water from freezing is keeping it moving. When the tank is refilled, the incoming water is usually warmer than that in the tank. With a consistent cycle of water usage and replacement, there is delayed freezing. It is no wonder, then, that plumbers recommend turning on faucets to allow water to trickle down during winter and prevent pipes from freezing. To give the water room to move, utilise the tank water on a regular basis during the winter.
Your Fixtures
When water freezes, it results in the expansion of metal pipes. Eventually, these pipes will break when they can’t take any more pressure. If there are pipes and hoses attached to the tank, choose material that will handle the expansion. Where necessary, disconnect hoses from the container. Also, keep checking the pipes for leaks once the temperatures rise.
A Heating System
If you are concerned about your water tank, install a water heating system. You can install an elaborate one on the tank’s walls or immerse a simple heater in the water to keep it above freezing point.
In the end, a frozen water tank is disastrous. Since water expands when frozen, it can result in irreparable damage on your tank. It is better to prevent this than wait to deal with the consequences. With prior preparation and proper care, you will effortlessly avoid frozen water in your tank. If you feel unsure about what to do, consult a professional immediately.
Read more at The Earth Awards.
By admin | March 27, 2020
“Water tanks are an important part of your house as they are exposed to the environment and hold the complete water cycle of your house. It is your duty to protect it by a water tank jacket and take better water tank insulation to prevent your tanks from various environmental conditions. Let’s take a tour of a few tips which keep your water tank away from freezing in winter time.”
Houses are bodies that require maintenance and need an organized structure so that humans can live happily. A man takes care of his house and makes sure there no issue arises in terms of electricity, households, furniture, water pipes, and other basic things. Maintaining these things fix your house and lead to satisfaction. Out of all these activities of house maintenance, there’s one thing you may have noticed, i.e. the water tanks. Now you must be thinking what maintenance a water tank needs apart from cleaning it at intervals? Well, you may have also noticed that water gets hot during the summers and tap pops out the running fire in the form of hot water. This may be troublesome. The same thing happens in winter when water gets too cold and you need to beg the geysers for warm water. In some areas, the water tanks freeze and this may take your water system in trouble.
Places like Australia and other cold areas faced this problem more often. Preventing your water tank from freezing during winter is a tough task. Let’s quickly have a glance over a few tips that may help you to prevent your water tanks from freezing in winters.
Use Large Water Tanks
This is a simple yet useful tip. If the tank is larger in volume, then it will have a large capacity for storing water. The water tank with a large volume takes less time in freezing. When the tank is refilled with new water, then the new water due to its warmness melts the remaining water. Likewise, the regular usage of water and refilling it at intervals delays it from freezing.
Round Shaped Water Tanks
The round-shaped water tanks have a smaller surface area compared to cubical or rectangular tanks. The smaller the surface area is, the less are the chances for the water to freeze. One should always prefer round-shaped water tanks because these cause less heat loss and afford better covering.
Go for heating systems
You can use a water heating system that will maintain the temperature of your water tank and set it above the freezing temperature point. There are various types of water heating systems available in the market such as an electric heater placed in the tanks, heating systems installed in the walls of your water tank. These measures give 100% results in preventing your water from freezing up.
Water Tank Insulation
Water tank insulation cover is the best way to prevent the loss of heat from your water tank. Many suppliers offer 4 layered or 5 layered water tank insulation covers which maintain the temperature of water tanks and prevents it from freezing. These water tanks jackets cover the top surface as well as the side of the water tank and insulate the tank from the outer environment. A good insulating water jacket covers the water tank from all the sides. Many water tank suppliers offer the various types of water tank insulation according to the need. These water jackets come in various sizes.
Read: – Tips and Steps to Insulate the Water Tank
Sloped water jackets
Tanks with flat covers often welcome the buildup ice on the top of the water tank jacket and this may lead to a decrease in temperature of water. In cold areas where there are snowfalls, it is recommended to cover the tanks with slope water tanks so that ice slips down and it maintains the temperature of the water. A sloping water tank cover prevents the ice or water from forming on the lid and keeping the water inside the tank a little warmer.
Check the leaking pipes
Check the connecting pipes during the winter season, as the leakage in the pipes may lead to heat loss from the tanks and eventually results in
freezing in water tanks. It is always recommended to get your water pipes checked by professionals to identify the issue quickly and get it fixed, regardless of how minor it is. Check your water pipes as the leaking water pipes lead to heat loss and may sometimes trouble you in the form of water leakage.
Say no to insulation bottom of the tank:
Although, it is recommended to insulate the water tanks. But it is a good idea to avoid covering the bottom of the water tank. This is because
the warm air below the tank increases the temperature of the tank and prevents it from freezing.
Keep the Water Moving
Moving water freezes less than standing water. In cold conditions, if the water in the storage tanks is used for a longer time, then there are chances of it to freeze. Therefore, water usage should be high enough so that the new water with its little warmness makes the remaining water warm and prevents it from freezing. This can be possible only if the water is used regularly so that the water tank fills up faster and prevents the temperature from crossing the freezing point. If the water freezes, it expands and damages your tank. The damage is not repairable as it splits the body of the tank. Move your water in some intervals and maintain the temperature of the water tank.
Final Words
These were some of the tips which will surely help to maintain the temperature of your water tank. Water tanks though seem to be an easy part of the house. But it is essential to protect it from various climate conditions. Since the water tanks in most of the houses are exposed to the environment. Therefore, it is important to shield it from every possible damage.