How to Winterize Your Fresh Water & Waste Tanks for Colder Months
How to Winterize Your Tanks for Winter
Winter is here, and with it comes the challenge of freezing temperatures that can wreak havoc on your waste tanks if they aren’t properly prepared. To keep your tanks in good working order, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent waste from freezing. Here’s what you need to know to winterize your tanks effectively:
Why Waste Freezes in Winter
When temperatures drop, the waste in your tanks is susceptible to freezing, which can cause blockages, damage, and complications for pump-outs. Protecting your tank against freezing is essential to maintain functionality and avoid costly repairs.
How VannGo Can Help
To help prevent freezing during the colder months, VannGo offers an optional service to add water softener salt to your waste tank during each pump-out. This salt helps prevent freezing and ensures your system continues to operate smoothly.
- Cost: An additional $15 per pump-out.
- What to Know: If you prefer to add water softener salt yourself, VannGo requires proof that the salt being used is safe. We’ll need to see the salt bags to confirm that it’s NOT ice melt.
What You Can Use in Your Tank
It’s important to use the correct type of salt in your tank to avoid damage. Here’s a breakdown of what’s acceptable and what’s not:
Good for Use in Your Tank
- Sodium Chloride: Regular salt such as water softener salt, pool salt, or cooking salt.
Do NOT Use in Your Tank
These substances are corrosive to metal tanks and can cause significant damage:
- Ice Melt Blends
- Magnesium Chloride
- Calcium Chloride
- Aluminum Fluoride
Spotting the Right Salt
The image below shows an example of the correct type of salt to use in your tanks. Always double-check the label before adding anything to your tank.
MORE WINTER PREP TIPS FOR YOUR TANKS
Fresh Water Tanks:
- Wrap in a Heated Blanket
To prevent your fresh water tank from freezing, wrapping it in a heated blanket is one of the best solutions. The blanket will keep the water from reaching freezing temperatures, ensuring that your water supply remains available. - Protect the Pump
Don’t forget about the pump! It’s just as vulnerable to the cold. Wrap your water pump in heat tape to keep it functioning smoothly, or if possible, bring it indoors during freezing conditions. - Monitor for Ice Build-Up
Regularly check your water tank and pump for any signs of ice build-up, especially during prolonged cold spells. This can help you catch potential issues early before they cause any damage.
Waste Tanks:
- Bury the Tank in the Ground
A great trick for keeping waste tanks from freezing is to bury them in the ground. It doesn’t need to be completely underground—digging a trench and covering the tank halfway will help insulate it from the cold. - Position in the Sun
If possible, keep your waste tank in a sunny spot. The sunlight can help raise the temperature slightly and delay freezing. - Use Water Softener Salt
Adding water softener salt to your waste tank can prevent the waste inside from freezing. Be sure to check that the salt is safe for your system and the environment.
Additional Notes:
- We Do Not Provide Winterizing Equipment: Please note that we do not supply heaters, heated blankets, heat tape, or other winterizing materials. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that their tanks are properly insulated and protected from the cold. We can provide tank safe salt for $15 per service.
- Plastic Tanks: Our tanks are made of plastic, which can become brittle in extremely cold conditions, so proper care is essential to prevent cracks or damage.
- Regular Maintenance: Throughout the colder months, we recommend checking your tanks regularly for any signs of freezing or damage. If you notice any issues, addressing them promptly can save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
By taking the necessary precautions to winterize your tanks, you can avoid the headaches of frozen equipment and ensure that your fresh water and waste systems continue to operate efficiently throughout the winter season.
Stay Winter-Ready with VannGo
Protecting your tanks from freezing this winter doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you opt for our water softener salt service or prefer to handle it yourself, we’re here to ensure your system stays operational through the cold months.
Have questions or want to schedule a pump-out with water softener salt? Contact us today!
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