Water Storage Tanks: Three Crucial Tips for Preventing Freezing

Freezing of water in storage tanks is not a common problem in the country. However, it is a significant concern for homeowners with these collection containers in some of the cooler regions or locales in winter during cold snaps. If the stored water freezes, it could compromise the integrity of the tank, causing premature failure. In addition, the water will be unusable during that period, and the inconvenience can be significant in some households. If this is a concern in your area, you should consider these simple tips for avoiding frozen water tanks.

Insulate Your Tank

You should install an insulating cover over your tank during the winter season to minimise the risk of freezing. The insulating material will prevent the loss of heat to the cold surroundings. As a result, the water will remain relatively unaffected. You can purchase an insulating cover from your tank supplier. You can choose the optional sheet that comes with your tank model. Alternatively, you can inquire about suitable generic covers.

Install a Water Heating System

If the projected risk of frozen water tanks in your local area is high, you should think about installing a water heating system in your water collection tanks. The goal of the appliance or device is to maintain the temperature of the water above the freezing point. Therefore, the energy expenses will not be high. The heating system can be a simple heater unit immersed in the tank. This choice is inexpensive and convenient for short winters. However, you can also install an elaborate system in the tank walls for ideal results.

Choose the Right Tank

You should install the correct tank in your home to minimise the risk of freezing. In general, it is advisable to choose a large storage tank instead of a small one. The higher volume of water will take longer to freeze completely. In most cases, the water will only partially freeze, and then the cold snap will pass. You should also favour cylindrical tanks over cubical or rectangular alternatives. The latter has a higher surface area to volume ratio, which increases heat loss and promotes freezing. 

Dealing with a frozen tank can be overwhelming and expensive because the stored water will expand after freezing. The damage to the tank could be irreparable, and you could lose your backup water supply. Therefore, you should expend your effort in preventing freezing. The precautions can be time-consuming and expensive, but you will avoid inconvenience and higher financial repercussions.