Extension News
To: Area Media
News Column
For 10-25-14
For Immediate Release
David Graf
County Agents Corner
Winterizing Rainwater Harvest Systems
Near ninety degrees in October and yet we are less than a month from our average first
freeze date in mid-November. While I think we are all ready for fall to officially arrive and
stay in Wichita County, we also know what always follows are some sub-freezing
temperatures in the winter. The thing that may be a bit different about this year is the
many rainwater collection tanks scattered across our area. Not many things in life are
certain, but we all know that water freezes at thirty two degrees. The lower the
temperature, the greater the damage if you are talking anything that contains water,
namely valves, faucets, and hoses on rainwater containers.
If you are not familiar with our area and you have some rainwater containers, there are
some things you need to know about the winters here. The really cold snaps will come. They
typically don’t last a long time, but temps in the single digits are not unheard of and we get
many nights with temperatures below freezing. Temperatures in the teens are not that
unusual. Add a light breeze out of the north, say 25 to 30 miles per hour, and the wind chill
is not pretty.
2013 was colder than normal, but even when you look at temps from 2012, there were well
over twenty times that the night time lows dropped below freezing. If you look at historical
record lows, there has been a temperature below 20 degrees almost every night in
December, January, and February. For more historical data go to http://www.srh.noaa.gov/
. What this means is we better prepare our rainwater containers and plumbing for freezing
temperatures.
As you are aware, rainwater containers and the plumbing are not free, so we need to do
what we can to maintain them. Here are a few details you should consider as you prepare
for the worst and hope for the best. Obviously, exposed fittings and plumbing at the base
of the tank are at the greatest risk for freezing. Smaller tanks (less than 100 gallons) will
freeze much quicker than larger tanks. Being a native of Vernon, I have seen extended
periods of cold where our high temperature did not reach 32 degrees for several days. Our
exposed rainwater plumbing is doomed if we get one of those spells.
Certainly tanks on the north side of a structure or plumbing on the north side (in the
shade) are more likely to freeze than those on the south side exposed to the sun. Likely it
is not practical to change the location of your container, so adjust accordingly. Oh yes, be
sure you drain the first-flush section after each moisture event (including melted snow).
So how do you prepare for the potentially sub-freezing temperatures? The simplest is to
leave the bottom valve open. Or, you may choose to empty your container and divert the
water away from your collection container until winter passes. I will remind you though that
trees and shrubs certainly need soil moisture to keep roots healthy and alive, at least once
per month.
If you choose to keep water in the system, one option is to wrap pipes and fittings in a heat
tape and insulation. Check the tape regularly to be sure it is working. You can also place a
stock tank heater or pet water deicer inside the container, as well as wrapping the
plumbing. Don’t forget there is always risk of electrical shock when dealing with electricity.
A small circulating pump is another option that might fit some situations to keep water
moving on cold nights. Finally, dirt or mulch piled around the base of the tank will help
reduce the risk of freezing if the tank is raised.
CONTACT: David Graf or Maranda Revell
Wichita County Extension 940-716-8610 or [email protected]