Need some advice on water tank project

[AD18]

Just a question. If the tank were to freeze solid across the top, how would the water flow to the cabin? No venting. Would the suction pull in the tank sides?

 

[coreshot]

Good thoughts guys. I was actually down there today, and this last storm dumped 2 feet of snow. So it looks like I have until next spring to plan out how the project will be done.

 

[SPIKER]

Good thoughts guys. I was actually down there today, and this last storm dumped 2 feet of snow. So it looks like I have until next spring to plan out how the project will be done.

The lines and tank can still freeze under the snow, if it is cold enough to maintain snow then the lines can freeze just as well. I would try and see if you can locate some OLD windows and or shower doors, insulate the back side of the tank to the point that sun does not shine on it. use the windows to build a quick enclosed green house type thing over the top/sides as much as you can enclose it so heat gain while sun is out on the black tank will help gain/hold warmth. this is assuming you have sun shinning on the tank... If it is in shadow all day (north side of hill) then you will need to add small heat lamp in corner fo the green house type covering... (which might be good anyway to help on really cold days...)

Mark

 

[James150]

Good thoughts guys. I was actually down there today, and this last storm dumped 2 feet of snow. So it looks like I have until next spring to plan out how the project will be done.

Hi,
My understanding of tanks (I'm going to install 3 - 10,000 gal tanks for rainwater storage) is that tanks rated to be in-ground are MUCH different in construction than those designed to sit on top. All the tanks I've seen and all the literature I've read says to not bury a tank that is supposed to sit on top of the ground or it will fail. I'm not sure if your cladding will help or not.

Have you thought of making your own in-ground cement cistern with a round slip-form like they did in the old days? Then you can mound up the dirt around it and it should stay nice and warm. A tank your size should be pretty inexpensive (somewhat labor intensive though).

Regards,

Jim

 

[jaquetarr]

Water holds a lot of BTU's and takes alot of cold to freeze a big chunk of water.
I'd suggest piling hay bales around the freezing fittings, cover the bales with plastic to keep dry, and the heat in the ground / water should keep you solvent. The sun should add some BTUs during the day to help out.
Another suggestion is to place foam board panels (foil on inside) around the tank. Hold them in place with rope & bungee cord for a temp placement. Leave the black top exposed for sun heating.
Maybe you can use one of these ideas. They worked for me
Best Rgds,
tim

 

[DaveOmak]

AD18 is right on. If the top os the tank is allowed to freeze, you will not be able to draw water from it. We had a 50,000 gal water tank at w-rk for fire protection. An ice skim formed on the surface. The fire pumps could not draw water from the tank. Bad results.
Put up your corrugated sides with fiberglass insul bats against the tank. Insulate the lid. Floating heater used in livestock tanks. Heat tape and insul around the valve. Man thats a lot of work and expense.
Buy an in-ground tank when you can. Dave

 

[coreshot]

Thanks for the input guys, when I can get up there in the spring I'll have to look inti the project some more. I may build a square room to house the tank out of the new styrofoam building blocks.