4 ways to keep your stock tanks from freezing

This recent polar vortex is reminding us that winter has not thrown its final party yet. We can still expect some freezing nights as we near spring. Even here in Western Washington State, you would think I’d be prepared. Preparation makes the work easier. But it is inevitable to find me searching for unfrozen hoses and breaking the ice with a pitchfork.

Freshwater can sometimes be a struggle during freezing temperatures. But there are plenty of tools we can use to make it easier.

Electric Water De-Icer: If you have power near your stock tanks a de-icer will give you warm fuzzies when you trudge out into the frozen tundra at feed time (Seriously, I’ve even professed my love to them). I’ve got a couple of the floating de-icers I use every year. They work well if your herd doesn’t include an annoying gelding that likes to pull it out of the tank. Although, a word of wisdom, purchase one with a protective guard around it. I’ve ruined more than one plastic water trough by the de-icer melting right through the side.

Insulation: Another option, if power is not available, is to insulate your stock tank. Building a box around the stock tank and filling the space between the tank and the box with insulation can prevent freezing when the temperatures are not dipping too low. For colder areas, consider covering a portion of the top of the tank as well.

Floating Jugs of Salt Water: There are lots of articles on this method out there on the internet. I have not tried it yet and would be interested in your experience. The idea is that saltwater has a lower freezing point. This is the reason why some spread salt on our sidewalks and driveways. Anyway, take an old milk jug or other container and add warm water and salt to it. The colder it gets, the more salt you will need. Secure the cap (no leaking) and shake until the salt is fairly dissolved. Now place the jugs in your trough.

I am curious to see how cold it needs to get for this to not work. I’m sure our midwest folks will be better off with the power option.

Solar Heated: If you live in a location that gets freezing cold temperatures but is also nice and sunny (Colorado?) a solar option might be a good one. Again, I’m not sure if solar would work during some of the coldest days but the sun is a powerful energy source. Just like the insulation method, build a box around the water trough. The difference will be that this time you will enclose one side with a clear plastic Panel. Plexiglass would be a durable solution. Here in Washington, our southern-facing picture windows can heat our living room as much as 5 – 10 degrees on a nice sunny day. This solar idea for the stock tank works much the same way, trapping the heat from the sun’s rays between the plexiglass and the tank. It probably won’t make the water warm, but it just needs to heat it above freezing to keep the ice off or melt the ice from the night before.