While the concept of frozen water tanks may seem preposterous to most residents of Australia, it’s a harsh reality for many who live in the colder regions of Tasmania and Victoria. While our beautiful country is known for its scorching summers, the winters can unfortunately be just as extreme. If you live in a particularly cold region, such as the colder suburbs of Melbourne, here are five simple tips to prevent your tanks from freezing:
Use insulation to prevent heat loss
Insulation is a fantastic solution for protecting plastic water tanks from freezing. It works by creating a barrier that insulates the tank from cold temperatures, allowing the water within to stay liquid. There are many effective materials that can be used as insulation, including specialised tank covers.
Employ the use of a water heating system
Buying a small water heater to sit inside your water tank can ensure water remains above freezing temperature, no matter how cold it is. While water heaters generally don’t cost much, it’s important to keep in mind that they may have a slight impact on electricity bills.
Install a larger tank
If you’ve ever noticed how much longer a bottle of water takes to freeze than a single ice cube, you’ll understand the theory behind this tip: the more water there is to freeze, the longer it takes. So if you have a small slimline rainwater tank that’s constantly becoming frozen in the winter months, upgrading to a larger tank may provide a simple solution.
Install tanks with a smaller surface area
Another top tip for preventing freezing is to select and install a tank that has a smaller surface area. This is where round water tanks are ideal, as their surface area is smaller than rectangular and square tanks, which helps to limit exposure to cold temperatures. Another option is to install an underground water tank – as they’re stored beneath the ground, their surfaces aren’t exposed to freezing conditions.
Keep water moving
It’s a well-known fact that flowing water takes longer to freeze; similarly, it’s also more difficult for water that’s often disturbed to become frozen. If your rainwater tank is prone to freezing over, it may be worth attempting to agitate the water at regular intervals.
All Oz Tanks – Quality Products & Expert Advice
For more information about how to keep your water tanks from freezing during cold weather, get in touch with the experts at All Oz Tanks today. We also offer a wide range of rainwater tanks to choose from that are perfectly suited to Melbourne’s unique conditions.
