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Economy Water Tank Heater
During cold winter months horse owners typically plug
in those high energy water heaters to prevent drinking water from freezing.
Often I see steam rising from water troughs at stables who pour money into the
atmosphere and consume higher energy cost. In this era of energy conservation,
we must be more energy conscious.
Ever found yourself plugging in one extension cord
after another just to reach a remote water tub? Add 3 or 4 or more tubs and the
old breaker panel starts to heat up, blow fuses or even fire..!!! Often I have
seen extension cords melting through the snow… this should send you a clear
message that you are overloading your circuits.
Here is a quick and easy install to help reduce energy
waste for under $25.00 per tub.
Commercial tub heaters can be expensive to operate
with high power consumption fees. These heaters range from 1500 to 1800 watts
of power each. During the part of winter that doesn’t have extreme cold, these
heaters are simply “too much” and end up providing TOO warm of drinking water
for maintaining healthy horses.
I will discuss the installation of an economical
heater for the RubberMaid and Tuff Tub designs most commercially available…but
this install can be used on “any” water tub…. including bathtubs.
a) Go to your local hardware store (not automotive
outlet) and buy a car engine block heater. Retails for under $25.00 each.
Typically they come in two power sizes 400 watt and 600 watt. Look for the ones
that have a “V” clamping system on the back side of the heater. Print this
photo and take it with you.
While you are at the hardware store, get an electric
hot water tank heater. Look for the 1000 watt one which screws into a
hot water tank. Also you need a power cord which you can p
b) Some tubs have no holes at all… some tubs do. I’ll
cover both types. With your tub on a suitable work bench (a tailgate will do),
place a mark in the centre of the tub near the bottom of the tub.
c) Borrow your
neighbour’s holesaw and drill a 1 ½” hole straight through the tub.(check the
size of your particular block heater for a snug fit)
d) Next, simply install the engine heater, and tighten
the adjusting screw for a good snug fit. Insure the rubber “O” ring seats flat
against the tub from the “Outside” for a complete seal. Plug in the cord and
your ready to go..!
e) With Rubbermaid tubs that have a bung hole already in
them, I simply get a “Galvanized” 1 ¼” to 1” pipe adapter and screw it into the
bung. I screw in my 1000 watt electric water tank heater, add my power cord and
I’m ready to go.
*note: photo shows plug exposed for clarity. Use a
plastic power box to protect wiring from the elements.
f) If you already have one of those expensive power
Here is how I use this system. While the weather is
cold enough to freeze the surface layer of the tank, I use the 400 watt economy
heater. If it gets too cold to keep the ice off, I simply switch to the 1000
watt water tank heater. In some cases, that’s all the power I have for some
more remote tanks. During those few days of extended -30 degrees… you can plug
in both heaters if required. At least you won’t be using excess energy, saving
on your energy cost and our environment. This winter it went to -30 C. and all
we used with all the tubs were the 400 watt economy heaters.
Always ensure that a Ground Fault Interceptor (GFI)
outlet is used when near water and livestock. Severe colic or even death may
occur if electric circuits are not grounded and protected properly. This holds
true and includes all commercial stock tank heaters as well.
Good luck with your project and be sure to Check back
often…..
Contact: Steven &
P.O. Box 276
V0E 2P0
(250) 577-3526
Email: horses@turningpointranch.ca
Last Updated: January 6, 2010