Minimise the Risk of Your Tank Water Freezing With These Tips

Although rainwater harvesting is steadily being adopted in Australian households, not many homeowners consider the risk of their water tank freezing during the colder months. And despite the fact that Australia is famed for its warm climate, the temperatures can drop significantly low during the winter, and this could hinder you from using your harvested water. The first measure you can take is to have a large tank, such as one with 5000-gallon tank capacity or more. The reason behind this is the larger the volume of water, the longer it would take it to freeze over. The following are additional measures that you could employ to minimise the risk of your water tank freezing.

Gravitate toward cylindrically shaped tanks

If you have not started engaging in rainwater harvesting and are in the process of looking for a tank, the first thing you could do is opt for the circular-shaped varieties. A circular tank has less surface area when compared to other shapes such as a cube tank or a rectangular tank. The smaller surface area of the circular tans minimises the amount of heat lost through the walls, which in turn will ensure enhanced insulation for the water contained in the tank. Therefore, by having a circular tank, you would be at less risk of having to contend with frozen water.

Install a sloping cover

Water tanks will generally come with a flat top cover, and homeowners rarely think twice about this. However, your cover does not only function to prevent debris from getting into the tank. One thing to take note of about flat tops is that they promote the gradual buildup of ice. For instance, if you go away on vacation during the cold season, you would be more likely to come and find frozen water inside your tank since you would not be around to clear the ice buildup. A more functional cover would be a slope-shaped one. The incline of the cover makes it easier for snow and ice to slide off the cover, which reduces the chances of your water freezing.

Get your tank insulated

Another often-overlooked aspect of tank maintenance is insulation. Homeowners will typically install insulation on their plumbing pipes to prevent them from freezing over during the winter. Your water tank will need the same insular techniques if the water inside is to remain warm. Your contractor can provide you with an insulation cover that could be permanent or removable depending on your needs.